Rory McIlroy, a four-time Major winner, is set to make his professional debut in India later this year, as the DP World Tour has completed an agreement in principle for Delhi Golf Club to host a $5 million Rolex event. According to The Hindustan Times, the Delhi Golf Club will host the most expensive golf tournament in India’s history in terms of prize money between October 16-19 under an initial three-year deal. An official contract is expected to be signed by the DP World Tour’s Chief Tournament and Operations Officer, Ben Cowen during a visit on January 22 after negotiations began back in October 2024. The tournament will serve as the penultimate competition prior to the DP World Tour playoffs, with the Genesis Championship in Korea ending the regular season just days after (October 23-26).
Delhi Golf Club captain, Vikram Seth, expressed confidence that the current World No.3 player, Rory McIlroy, will be part of the field at the upcoming event. The event will mark a major milestone for the Delhi Golf Club, which has not hosted a major international event in two years. With a prize purse of $5 million, the event is expected to attract top international golfers to India, potentially including McIlroy. The club’s president, Raj Khosla, has been instrumental in securing the event for the club, and there is optimism about McIlroy’s participation.
McIlroy has previously acknowledged the potential for a world-class golf tournament to take place in India and expressed his interest in visiting the country. He emphasized the impact that a unified global tour could have on the game of golf, particularly in countries like India. The potential addition of a tournament in India to the DP World Tour’s schedule reflects a growing interest in expanding the sport’s reach and popularity in new markets. The upcoming event at Delhi Golf Club will offer fans in India a unique opportunity to watch McIlroy and other top golfers compete on a global stage.
In addition to the upcoming event at Delhi Golf Club, the DP World Tour’s schedule includes the Hero Indian Open at DLF Golf and Country Club in March. This event, along with the new tournament at Delhi Golf Club, showcases the growing presence of professional golf in India and highlights the country’s potential as a premier destination for elite golfers. The Asian Tour’s International Series India, set to take place in the coming weeks, further reinforces India’s position as a key player in the global golfing landscape.
As the DP World Tour continues to finalize its 2025 schedule, there are still some gaps in the calendar that remain to be filled. Certain events, such as those during the Asian Swing and the Closing Swing, have yet to be confirmed, providing opportunities for further growth and development in the tour’s global footprint. Updates on the tour’s schedule will be announced in due course, paving the way for an exciting and action-packed season of professional golf around the world. With the addition of the new tournament in India, the DP World Tour is poised to bring top-tier golfing talent to diverse and dynamic markets, offering fans thrilling competition and unforgettable experiences.
