Kevin Kisner has questioned the idea that Rory McIlroy is particularly keen to grow the game with his appearance at the DP World India Championship, insisting a large appearance fee is likely to be the main reason he is in the field at Delhi Golf Club.
McIlroy is the biggest name in the field this week at the DP World India Championship. The Northern Irishman also appeared in the inaugural staging of the event 12 months ago.
McIlroy has done a better job than most when it comes to playing in events across the globe over the years. He is, of course, chasing his eighth Race to Dubai title this season on the DP World Tour.
However, Kevin Kisner has taken exception with the idea that McIlroy’s goal this week is to make an impact in India by teeing it up.
Kevin Kisner doubts Rory McIlroy is playing in India to grow the game
Speaking when it was confirmed earlier this year that he would be playing in the event for a second time, McIlroy alluded to how important it is to him to play across the world.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing a global schedule so I was excited to visit India for the first time last season to be part of the inaugural DP World India Championship,” he said.
“The golf fans in India were so welcoming, and the whole experience was truly memorable, so it’s a pleasure to be returning to Delhi in October.”
McIlroy speaking about the significance of playing in the event was put to Kisner on the Fore Play Podcast, and he dismissed the idea that the six-time major champion is involved this week to help grow the game.
“That is such a d—–t comment, but I guess for the right price, we could all say that comment. He doesn’t want to globally expand in India, he wants to get his $10 million and go play in India,” he said.
“I know there’s a pile of guys that got paid for that event. How else would you get that event in India with eight 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.
“They always seem to say the right things while they’re over there. 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.”
Why Kevin Kisner is being slightly unfair with his comments on Rory McIlroy
Kisner’s comments are surely not entirely fair. Obviously, it says a lot that the DP World India Championship can get one of the strongest fields of the season.
However, McIlroy has earned nearly $120 million in prize money just on the PGA Tour. He could quite easily afford to turn down astronomical sums if he wanted to.
It almost certainly helps sway his decision on where he would like to play, particularly at this time of the season.
But as Kisner suggests, many players would do exactly the same as McIlroy. And ultimately, his decision to play this week could help inspire golfers in India.
Really, it is a win-win for McIlroy.