Rory McIlroy's former ally backs Kevin Kisner over 'grow the game' argument

Rory McIlroy's former agent Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler has backed Kevin Kisner after the American appeared to criticise the Masters champion over his comments about growing the game in India. 

The former US Ryder Cup vice captain took aim at McIlroy in the build-up to last week's DP World India Championship, accusing the 37-year-old of making a "dog---- comment" and questioning his motives. 

"He doesn’t want to globally expand in India," said Kisner. "He wants to get his $10m bucks for playing in India."

For his part, McIlroy did not deny that he received a fee for his appearance at New Delhi Golf Club but stressed that "two things can be true at the same time". 

Now, his former manager has chimed in on the situation. 

"It's true [what Kisner said], so I don't think he'd be surprised," Chandler said.  

"I think he'd be chuckling and thinking, 'Well, of course that's why I'm here.' 

"And he can't say anything else either. He's not going to turn around and say, 'I'm here because I'm getting paid millions of dollars.' 

"He's going to say to the press, 'I'm here to spread the game.'

Chandler added: "In a funny sort of way, DP World are taking over from where [Saudi Arabia's] PIF was. 

"DP World are beginning to spread the word around of golf. 

"To me, if DP World follow the trend now, they should sponsor a lot of national Opens. 

"You should have the DP World Spanish Open, you should have the DP World French Open, and that would do an awful lot.

"He's in a strange place in his career"

Rory McIlroy has enjoyed another outstanding season, highlighted by a successful defence of his Masters title in April - a feat achieved by only two other players.

Now, the Northern Irishman has the chance to cap another remarkable campaign by making more history on the DP World Tour, as he bids to win the Race to Dubai title for a record-equalling eighth time.

However, McIlroy faces stiff competition from Patrick Reed and Eugenio Chacarra. 

Chandler said McIlroy is in a "strange place" in his career and "lacks motivation". 

"The thing for Rory is winning majors," he said.  

"If you're good enough to make enough money, then it's about winning majors. 

"So Rory's targets for a year are totally different to say, Chacarra's targets. 

"Even though Chacarra wins more often than Rory at the moment. 

"But Rory's career at the moment is interesting because I would think he's suffering from a lack of motivation a lot of the weeks. 

"Turning up just pocketing the cheque for being there is one thing, but actually competing against guys that are hungry and playing good is different. He's got to have that motivation to do it.

“Once he'd won the grand slam, I think a lot of that motivation goes. 

"He can make these ideas up of what his goals are, but they're not as strong as the goals he used to have.

“He doesn't need the money, that's for sure. He's in a very strange place in his career. 

"A very nice place with a very happy bank manager, but a strange place to work out what he should try and do golf-wise for his career."

Chubby Chandler was speaking to BetBrothers.