Rory McIlroy, the golf icon, is set to make a highly anticipated return to the DP World India Championship, but this time, he's in for a unique pairing. The Northern Irishman, fresh from Team Europe's triumph at the Ryder Cup, will be joined by none other than Ben Griffin, his arch-rival from Team USA. This reunion is sure to spark excitement and controversy alike, as the two golfers prepare to battle it out on the greens of Delhi Golf Club.
The DP World India Championship, the penultimate tournament on the DP World Tour's 'Back 9', is a prestigious event where players vie for a spot in the end-of-season playoffs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. McIlroy, the world No.2, is the standout performer in a stellar lineup, aiming to build on Europe's Ryder Cup victory. His teammates, including Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, and Viktor Hovland, will be by his side, along with victorious captain Luke Donald.
But the real intrigue lies in the pairing of McIlroy and Hovland with Griffin, the US counterpart. This trio will play alongside each other for the opening two rounds, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter. Just over two weeks prior, a heated affair at Bethpage Black marked the 2025 Ryder Cup, where a hostile US crowd directed abuse at Europe's players and their families. Despite this, both McIlroy and Hovland emerged victorious, with Hovland, unfortunately, having to withdraw from the Sunday singles matches due to a neck injury.
Griffin, making his debut at the 45th Ryder Cup, won a point for Team USA in New York, defeating Rasmus Hojgaard in the singles match on Sunday. Now, he's eager to build on his breakthrough year on the PGA Tour with a strong performance at the DP World India Championship, which offers a substantial $4 million purse, with the winner taking home a whopping $680k. McIlroy's participation in the tournament marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first reigning Masters champion to play on Indian soil.
McIlroy expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "I'm proud to play in the inaugural DP World India Championship. I've always enjoyed playing a global schedule, and I believe there's tremendous potential to grow golf in this country. This is a fantastic opportunity, and I can't wait to experience the passion of Indian golf fans."
This unique pairing and the high-stakes tournament promise an unforgettable spectacle, leaving fans eager to witness the dynamics between these golf legends. Will McIlroy and Hovland's reunion be a friendly affair, or will the rivalry with Griffin heat up the competition? Only time will tell. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on these golfers, ready to engage in a battle of skill, strategy, and perhaps, a touch of friendly rivalry.
