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Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai headline star-studded DP World India Championship field

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 14, 2026, 20:52 IST

A world-class field, including Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai, gathers at the Delhi Golf Club for the second DP World India Championship, featuring a $4 million prize purse and critical Race to Dubai implications.

Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai headline star-studded DP World India Championship field

The Delhi Golf Club is set to host a premier gathering of international golfing talent this week for the second edition of the DP World India Championship. With a substantial $4 million prize purse on the line, the tournament has drawn an elite field that includes three reigning Major champions, setting the stage for a highly competitive event starting Thursday.

Headlining the entry list is 2026 Masters champion Rory McIlroy, who serves as the primary attraction for spectators. He is joined by a formidable group of contenders, including PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai and The Open Championship victor Ryan Fox. The depth of the field is further enhanced by the presence of several former Major winners, such as Justin Rose, Danny Willett, Patrick Reed, and Shane Lowry, all of whom are vying for the title.

High stakes in the Race to Dubai

Beyond the immediate prestige of winning the tournament, the event carries significant weight for the season-long standings. The Race to Dubai is currently defined by a tight three-way contest between Patrick Reed, Eugenio Chacarra, and Rory McIlroy, making this week’s performance critical for those looking to secure their position as the season nears its conclusion.

The Delhi Golf Club provides a unique tactical challenge that differs significantly from modern, power-oriented course designs. Characterized by a shorter layout, narrow fairways, and dense tree cover, the course prioritizes precision and strategic course management over raw distance. Many competitors are expected to adopt a conservative approach, with some opting to leave their drivers behind in favor of more accurate clubs.

Defending champion highlights course difficulty

Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood has highlighted the increased difficulty of the course conditions compared to last year. Fleetwood noted that the rough has become notably thicker, transforming the challenge from a manageable recovery into a test of survival. According to the defending champion, missing the fairway this year leaves players with little option but to hack the ball out, rather than attempting to reach the green.

The local contingent aiming to challenge the international stars will be led by DP World PGTI Order of Merit leaders Saptak Talwar, Khalin Joshi, and Veer Ahlawat. Additionally, Shubhankar Sharma enters the tournament with momentum following his recent victory at the Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship. The event promises to be a rigorous test of skill, blending world-class international talent with the unique demands of the historic Delhi venue.