Rory McIlroy confirms Tour schedule update just days before The Masters

Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will return to the DP World India Championship later this year, making the announcement just days before beginning his title defence at The Masters.

The world number two has confirmed he will set to tee it up at Delhi Golf Club from 15-18 October, marking his second consecutive appearance at the $4 million event following a well-received debut in 2025.

McIlroy’s decision reflects his stated ambition to adopt a more global playing schedule. 

Earlier this season, the five-time major champion revealed plans to scale back his commitments on the PGA Tour in favour of spending more time with his family, competing in national opens and expanding his international presence.

“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,” McIlroy 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.”

The 36-year-old Northern Irishman heads to The Masters at Augusta next week seeking to defend the coveted green jacket he claimed in dramatic fashion last year, when he defeated Justin Rose in a playoff to complete the career grand slam. 

McIlroy's 2025 campaign was among the finest of his career, featuring multiple victories worldwide, including a second Irish Open title, Ryder Cup win and a seventh Race to Dubai crown — his fourth in succession. 

Another successful campaign on the DP World Tour in 2026 could see McIlroy match Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight Race to Dubai titles.

McIlroy will be joined in India later this season by his European Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood, who won the inaugural tournament in 2025 as part of a standout season that also included FedExCup success.

The DP World India Championship, launched in 2025 and co-sanctioned with the Professional Golf Tour of India, has quickly established itself as a key stop on the Race to Dubai schedule. 

The 2026 edition forms part of the crucial “Back 9” phase leading into the season-ending play-offs in Dubai.

McIlroy’s return is expected to further elevate the tournament’s growing profile, underlining India’s emergence as an important destination on the global golfing calendar.