The names on the field sheet belong to the highest levels of world golf, but reputation will offer little protection at the DP World India Championship.
At Delhi Golf Club, power is not always an advantage and aggression can quickly become a liability. Its narrow, tree-lined corridors demand position from the tee, while the thicker rough surrounding the fairways is ready to punish even the smallest mistake.
Rory McIlroy possesses one of golf’s most destructive weapons, but he plans to leave it in his hotel room.
“I’m here to win the tournament, not to hit drivers,” McIlroy said. “The best chance of winning is to keep the driver in the hotel room, so I’m not even tempted to hit it.”
That decision captures the examination awaiting a field containing seven Major champions and several Ryder Cup stars from October 15 to 18. The US$4 million championship is not simply bringing elite players to India—it is asking them to adapt to a distinctive course where discipline, imagination and precision matter more than distance.
McIlroy prepared to play by DGC’s rules
McIlroy returns to Delhi as DP World’s global ambassador after enjoying his first experience of the championship last year.
“It’s great to be back,” he said. “I had a wonderful experience last year, and I’m returning as a DP World global ambassador. I’m very happy to be representing them and looking forward to the week.”
The course remains as tight as he remembers, but the rough represents a significant change. Last year, players missing the fairway could often advance the ball towards the green. This time, escaping sideways may be the only sensible option.
“There isn’t much room off the tee, so you’re hitting a lot of irons and being strategic,” McIlroy said. “Your scoring opportunities will come from your approach play, but you need to play those second shots from the fairway.”
The layout is often described as a second-shot course, but McIlroy believes that description risks understating the importance of finding the correct position from the tee.
A poor drive may remove any realistic chance of attacking the green. That is why one of the game’s longest players is prepared to sacrifice distance for control.
Fleetwood returns to a tougher challenge
Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood has similarly warned that DGC cannot be forced into submission.
“You have to stay disciplined about putting the ball in play because the way to play this course is from the fairway,” Fleetwood said. “You can only hit the shots the course gives you.”
Fleetwood returns with warm memories of last year’s victory, particularly the sight of his son Frankie running onto the 18th green to join the celebrations. Frankie is back in Delhi and has already accompanied his father during practice.
“He generally gives me a few tips,” Fleetwood joked.
The positive memories provide confidence, but Fleetwood knows they also create heightened expectations. He arrives as the defending champion on a course that is more punishing than the one he conquered.
“There will be occasions when you’re only six inches off the fairway and still can’t control the ball,” he said. “You have to accept that, remain patient and do your best.”
Fleetwood believes the more demanding rough strengthens the championship by rewarding the player producing the best golf over four rounds.
“You won’t get away with playing poorly or hitting the ball badly all week,” he said. “You want to be rewarded for good shots and punished for bad ones. This course is a great example of that.”
Familiarity could help the Indian challenge
The course’s ability to reduce the advantage of power offers India’s contingent a route into contention. Familiarity with the playing corridors, preferred angles and subtle greens could prove valuable against the visiting stars.
Shubhankar Sharma leads the home challenge with renewed confidence after winning the Kapil Dev Invitational by six strokes last week. The two-time DP World Tour winner rediscovered his ball-striking after returning to older clubs and familiar swing feels.
Anirban Lahiri brings experience from competing against elite fields around the world and returns refreshed after a seven-week break. Shiv Kapur, who grew up playing at DGC, possesses an intimate understanding of a course where local knowledge can save shots.
Saptak Talwar, Veer Ahlawat and Yuvraj Sandhu arrive soon after representing India at the Asian Games in Japan. Karandeep Kochhar enters the week following his runner-up finish at the IGPL’s Krishna Invitational in Hyderabad, while Sachin Baisoya and four-time domestic winner Khalin Joshi add further depth.
The Indian challenge has suffered one setback, with 11-time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar withdrawing because of a back injury.
Two competitions within one championship
For the leading Indian players, the week carries consequences far beyond a strong finish against an international field.
The championship is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and DP World PGTI, connecting India’s domestic circuit directly with the global game. The leading player on the DP World PGTI Order of Merit after the tournament will earn DP World Tour playing rights for 2027.
Talwar currently heads the standings, with Joshi and Ahlawat among those chasing him. A significant result at DGC could therefore change the direction of a player’s career.
McIlroy, meanwhile, has his own season-long target. Victory would strengthen his pursuit of an eighth Race to Dubai title as the DP World Tour moves towards its closing stretch.
That creates two competitions within the same championship: established international stars chasing another prestigious title and Indian professionals pursuing the opportunity to join them on the global tour.
The DP World India Championship brings those worlds together, but Delhi Golf Club will treat every player equally. Major titles, local knowledge and home support will matter only if accompanied by patience and precision.
The world’s best have arrived in Delhi, but they must now play the course’s game.
Photo – DPWIC
