McIlroy endorsed the general consensus that playing smart and being patient would be the key at the DGC.
| Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
Rory McIlroy is undoubtedly a legend. One of only six men to win a ‘career Grand Slam’ (winning all the Majors) and the only European to do so, the Irishman is often considered the greatest European golfer of all times and one of the greatest in the golfing world.
But the reigning Masters champion and World No. 2 continues to be excited about new experiences and challenges, the latest being his maiden visit to India for the DP World India Championships that gets underway on Thursday at the historic Delhi Golf Club here.
“India is a country that I’ve wanted to travel to for a long time. It’s a very vibrant place. I’m excited to play in a place that I’ve never played before. Eighteen-odd years into a professional career and to still be able to do things for the first time is something that excites me. I’ve watched tournaments on this course over years and the course certainly lives up to its reputation,” McIlroy said in his first media interaction since landing in the city.
Playing smart
He agreed with the general consensus that playing smart and being patient would be the key at the DGC. “I don’t think I’ll hit a driver this week. I don’t feel the risk is worth the reward. You’re hitting it into jungle and you’re not going to be able to get it out. You can rack up a very big number very quickly. Being strategic and being smart with your play, off the tee especially, is very important,” McIlroy, who is a big driver, admitted.
Currently the Race to Dubai leader (for the season-ending Finals) is grouped alongside Ryder Cup-winning teammate Viktor Hovland and two-time PGA Tour winner Ben Griffin over the first two days in the competition.
McIlroy, however, equally keen to experience cricket in the most cricket-mad country in the world.
“I’d love to go and watch a cricket match. I don’t think there’s anything on until next month maybe, I’d love to come back and do that. I love sitting down and watching Test matches. I’m going to be in Australia later this year, and The Ashes is going to be on. So that’s something I’m quite excited about.
“Obviously the Taj Mahal, love to come back at some time in years to come, bring back the family and experience that together. There’s so much to see. It’s such a big country,” he hoped, adding that the DLF golf course, which hosts the Indian Open, was also high on his list of things to do.
“I’d love to play the DLF. I think it’s become this infamous golf course around the world, just the bunkering, and that 17th hole seems to be just an absolute menace. I’d love to get there and play at some point,” he said.
Published – October 15, 2025 06:17 pm IST
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