Rory McIlroy has hit back at Kevin Kisner after the American suggested he only played the DP World India Championship for a $10 million appearance fee, asking “How would he know that?” after his final round in New Delhi.
Kisner, a United States Ryder Cup vice-captain, questioned McIlroy’s motives on the Fore Play podcast last week, after the Northern Irishman said his return to Delhi Golf Club for a second straight year was part of his push for a more global schedule.
“He doesn’t want to globally expand in India, he wants to get his $10 million and go play in India,” Kisner said, as reported by Fox Sports. “I know there’s a pile of guys that got paid for that event.”
Kisner also pointed to McIlroy leaving his driver out of the bag on the tight, tree-lined course. “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,” he said, according to Irish Golfer.
McIlroy: “Two things can be true”
Asked about the comments after closing with a 74 to finish in a tie for 42nd at four under, McIlroy questioned how Kisner could know what he was paid. “I don’t know why me being in India would make ‘Kis’ need to comment,” he said, according to AFP via Fox Sports. “How would he know that?”
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The six-time major champion said being paid to play and wanting to grow the game in new markets were not mutually exclusive.
“Two things can be true at the same time,” McIlroy said. “People can get paid to come and play at a tournament, but at the same time, do it from a place of genuine interest in trying to bring the sport to another country, a developing country, a country where the middle class in India is larger than the whole population of the United States. It’s a huge market for golf.”
Race to Dubai run home
McIlroy described the trip as worthwhile despite his result. “Overall it’s been a wonderful week,” he said. “India is a really important market for golf going forward and it’s only going to keep growing.”
Spaniard Eugenio Chacarra won the tournament by two strokes at 21 under to move to the top of the Race to Dubai standings, with McIlroy third. McIlroy, who is chasing a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title, will skip next week’s Genesis Championship in South Korea but will play the final two events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the Associated Press reported.
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