Indian golf fans “so welcoming” says Rory McIlroy

Dubai: Rory McIlroy is set to return to action at the DP World India Championship, with Delhi Golf Club gearing up to welcome a top-class field from October 15–18 2026.

The world No. 2 and career Grand Slam champion delighted fans during his debut appearance in India last season and has now been confirmed to return for a second straight year at the highly anticipated $4 million event.

McIlroy will once again appear alongside some of the best players in the world at the DP World India Championship, with the 2025 winner, World No.4, and reigning FedExCup champion Tommy Fleetwood also confirmed to tee it up in Delhi.

Speaking on his return to Delhi, McIlroy said: “I’ve always enjoyed playing a global schedule so I was excited to visit India for the first time last season to be part of the inaugural DP World India Championship.

“The golf fans in India were so welcoming, and the whole experience was truly memorable, so it’s a pleasure to be returning to Delhi in October.”

The tournament boasts the biggest prize purse ever for a DP World Tour event in India and will once again form part of the decisive Back 9 stage of the Race to Dubai.

Fleetwood came out on top in a gripping first edition of the tournament last season, securing his eighth DP World Tour title.

The launch of the second edition of the DP World India Championship highlights India’s rising stature as a hub for top-level golf and a key market for DP World. Building on the success of the long-established Hero Indian Open, the new event adds further momentum to the Tour’s presence in the region.

DP World, which has been the Tour’s title partner since 2022 and became the Title and Official Umbrella Partner of the PGTI earlier this year, continues to expand its sporting presence in India.

Alongside the tournament, its involvement includes partnerships with the Delhi Capitals and grassroots initiatives such as the Second Life Container programme and the ‘Balls for Birdies’ campaign. These efforts see DP World use its logistics network to donate golf balls, helping to grow the sport and make it more accessible.

The DP World India Championship will be the eighth of nine events in the Back 9 phase of the 2026 Race to Dubai, building towards the season-ending DP World Tour play-offs and culminating in the DP World Tour Championship in November at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.

Details of ticket sales for the DP World India Championship will be available soon, and fans can register their interest now here.

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