PGA Tour winner criticises Rory McIlroy for "dogs---" comment: "Give me a break"

Multiple PGA Tour winner Kevin Kisner has criticised Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman insisted he was keen to grow the game by visiting countries like India. 

McIlroy is the star attraction at this week's DP World Tour event in New Delhi and is playing the tournament alongside several of his Ryder Cup teammates. 

The Northern Irishman, 37, reiterated his desire to play a global schedule in his pre-tournament news conference.

McIlroy has been increasingly vocal about wanting professional golf to have a more international schedule and has encouraged some of the world's best players to venture out of the United States. 

"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 said on Wednesday, referring to his first start in India 12 months ago. 

But Kisner believes that a large appearance fee is the more likely reason McIlroy is so willing to broaden his horizons. 

"That is such a dogs--- comment," Kisner told the most recent edition of the ForePlay podcast. 

"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 $10m and go play in India."

McIlroy's appearance fee for this week's tournament has not been disclosed.

But it will almost certainly be more than the $680,000 the winner will receive. 

"I know there's a pile of guys that got paid for that event," added Kisner. 

"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."

Kisner admitted that he would have done the same during his career. 

"And all of us on this podcast would," he said.

"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."

McIlroy made a solid start to the DP World India Championship. 

The Masters champion was three shots off the pace after the opening round. 

He made an eagle on his first hole of the day in round two, but his group were forced off the course after completing their fifth hole due to bad light. 

Round one of the tournament was delayed by more than five hours due to lightning.