Rory McIlroy shares the clever reason behind his viral baggy trousers on the DP World Tour
Rory McIlroy has finally shared why he’s been wearing baggy trousers ahead of the DP World India Championship, and it’s pretty easy to understand.
On Thursday, some of golf’s biggest stars will start playing at the Delhi Golf Club for the DP World India Championship. Players like McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, and Justin Rose will compete in this Race to Dubai event.
Before the tournament begins, McIlroy was seen practicing and playing in a pro-am wearing loose, flared trousers. Now, he’s explained his reason for choosing them.
The championship runs from October 15–18, with Fleetwood defending his title from the first event in 2025. McIlroy, who is close to tying Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight Race to Dubai wins, is currently in third place, behind Patrick Reed and Spain’s surprise leader Eugenio Lopez-Characarra.
To stay comfortable in New Delhi’s hot and humid weather, McIlroy opted for baggy trousers.
“I’m glad the desk is hiding them!” he joked when golf legend Nick Faldo asked about the pants.
“I’ve been watching Tommy Fleetwood and like his style. When I’m not in golf gear, I often wear wide-legged, straight pants—they’re really in right now. But these pants are a bit low and maybe a little short,” he added.
When Faldo asked why McIlroy didn’t bring other trousers, especially since the fit might affect his swing, Rory said that flow of air was exactly the point.
“We need airflow this week! It’s hot and humid,” he said.
“I know they might not fit perfectly yet, but it’s a work in progress.”
Fleetwood, who also likes baggy trousers, joked about Rory’s new look: “It’s great him calling me a style guru, but I’d definitely trade that title for Rory’s career!”
It’s not just the trousers that are catching attention. The six-time major winner also revealed he left his favorite club, the driver, at home.
Delhi Golf Club’s course is shorter and surrounded by trees, so McIlroy decided the driver wasn’t really needed.
“This course is shorter than most we play, and it’s so tight that hitting a driver doesn’t help much,” he explained.
“I learned that last year when I first played here. So the driver and even my three wood are staying in the hotel. I’m keeping the five wood for some second shots on par fives.”
“It’s all about finding fairways and planning your way around.”
McIlroy will start his first round on Thursday at 2:45am BST (7:15am in Delhi), teeing off from the 10th hole alongside Fleetwood and Robert MacIntyre.