PGA Tour player criticizes Rory McIlroy for why he’s playing in India right now
Kevin Kisner has criticized Rory McIlroy’s reason for playing in the DP World India Championship, saying McIlroy is just there to make a reported $10 million (£7.5m).
McIlroy came into this event just one win shy of matching Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight Race to Dubai victories. But after day three, Rory fell 10 shots behind the leader and is no longer in the running. Eugenio Chacarra, who McIlroy is chasing, is leading as they head into the final round.
Rory is one of several big names helping promote this tournament in India, along with Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose. Recently, the 37-year-old signed a multi-year deal to become the Global Ambassador for DP World, the UAE logistics company that sponsors the European Tour.
In a social media post, McIlroy said, “I’m proud to join DP World as Global Golf Ambassador and excited to push the limits of performance together, supported by world-class smart logistics.”
Rory is one of the sport’s biggest stars and has traveled to many countries this year, including the USA, UK, Australia, Dubai, and India. He’s talked before about how important it is to grow golf worldwide. But Kevin Kisner doesn’t believe that’s why Rory is in India. On the Fore Play Podcast, Kisner said, “Honestly, I think he’s just there for the $10 million. I know a lot of guys got paid for that event—how else would you get such a big tournament in the middle of a city with billions of people? Plus, Rory isn’t even using his driver this week. Would he really want to play a tournament without his main club? Come on.”
McIlroy reportedly earns $10 million from this event, which doesn’t even include prize money. He made headlines for leaving his driver in his hotel room, and since he’s now so far behind, some are questioning that choice.
Tommy Fleetwood won the first tournament last year, and several players are still in the running on the last day. Eugenio Chacarra leads by two shots at 14 under par, with Angel Hidalgo, Joost Luiten, Adrian Meronk, Scott Jamieson, and Daniel Hillier all close behind.
Here’s a look at the top 20 prize money payouts:
– 1st: $680,000
– 2nd: $440,000
– 3rd: $252,000
– 4th: $200,000
– 5th: $169,600
– 6th: $140,000
– 7th: $120,000
– 8th: $100,000
– 9th: $89,600
– 10th: $80,000
The rest range from about $73,600 down to $47,000 for 20th place.
Play will start again at 6:35 am local time on Sunday.