McIlroy Fires Back at Kisner Over India Appearance Fee Claim

Rory McIlroy pushed back on a suggestion from fellow PGA Tour pro Kevin Kisner that an appearance fee, rather than any interest in growing golf in Asia, was behind his decision to play the DP World India Championship, after McIlroy closed out the week tied for 42nd at Delhi Golf Club.

What did Kevin Kisner say about McIlroy's trip to India?

Kisner raised the question on the Fore Play podcast, arguing that McIlroy's stated interest in growing the game did not hold up given he was skipping his driver for the week. He suggested McIlroy's real motivation was a reported eight-figure appearance fee rather than a genuine push to develop the sport in a new market.

How did McIlroy respond?

Told of the comments after his round, McIlroy said simply, "How would he know that?" He argued the two explanations were not mutually exclusive, saying players can be paid to appear at a tournament while still believing in the trip's value to a market he called one of golf's biggest growth opportunities, given India's middle class alone outnumbers the entire population of the United States.

McIlroy called the week "wonderful" overall despite his result, saying it marked progress for golf in India and for international golf generally.

Where does the Race to Dubai stand after India?

Eugenio Chacarra won the DP World India Championship for his third title of the season, overtaking Patrick Reed atop the Race to Dubai standings. McIlroy sits third in pursuit of his eighth Race to Dubai title and said he plans to practice before the season's final two events, having not picked up a club between the Wentworth event and his arrival in India.