See more of our coverage in your search results.
Rory McIlory is back in Delhi for the second annual DP World India Championship this week as he continues his efforts to grow the game of golf.
Kevin Kisner doesn’t believe the Northern Irishman’s motivations are so altruistic.
“I guess for the right price, we could all say that comment (about growing the game),” the golfer-turned-analyst said on the “Fore Play” podcast. “He doesn’t want to globally expand in India, he wants to get his $10 million bucks and go play in India.”
When McIlory’s return appearance for the DP World Tour event was announced in April, McIlroy pointed to playing “a global schedule,” comments Kisner called “dogs–t,” noting that the event is a “money grab.”
“…I know there’s a pile of guys that got paid for that event,” he said. “How else would you get that event in India with 8 billion people in the middle of the city? And Rory’s not even hitting a driver this week. You think he wants to go play a tournament where he can’t use his number one weapon? So give me a break.”
McIlory is one of several golfers in the 138-player field not using their driver on the short, tight course at Delhi Golf Club.
“It is in the locker, maybe not even in the locker, in the hotel room so I’m not even tempted to go and get it,” he told Nick Faldo on the DP World Tour’s “The Locker Room” show.
Couple that with the money reportedly flying around and it’s a dead giveaway for Kisner.
“They always seem to say the right things while they’re over there,” he said. “As part of your appearance fee, here’s your script for altruism, and you need to mention these four lines in whatever interview you do throughout the week. Which is totally fine, I’d do it too, and all of us on this podcast would.
“I just find it hilarious when you can pop up and play an event where Rory McIlroy can’t hit his driver, and all those guys show up, and nobody’s like, ‘alright, this is stupid’, whenever they can go play the sickest course in the world, and none of them show up. It’s just very odd to me.”
Money isn’t the only reason McIlroy attracted attention this week.
He debuted a new look with baggier pants inspired by pal Tommy Fleetwood, though Kisner didn’t exactly give him props for stepping outside his comfort zone.
“He looks even shorter,” Kisner said.
The tournament has gotten off to a shaky start for McIlroy and the rest of the field.
The first round was delayed five hours by lightning, causing several players — the Grand Slam winner among them — to finish the round on Friday. His 2-under 70 placed him in a tie for 17th.
The second round was halted due to darkness, to be picked back up Saturday morning.