Tranlate this title Kevin Kisner reacts to Rory McIlroy’s comments about growing golf in India in spanish

Kevin Kisner has questioned Rory McIlroy’s explanation for participating in the DP World India Championship, claiming that money is probably the main reason why the Northern Irishman decided to compete in New Delhi.

The 42-year-old American does not believe that McIlroy traveled to India primarily to help golf become more popular in the country. Kisner believes that a large appearance fee is behind the decision.

McIlroy, 37, is one of the best-known names at this week’s tournament, which takes place at Delhi Golf Club. The six-time major champion returned to the competition after finishing tied for second at the inaugural edition in 2025.

The Northern Irishman previously said that he likes playing tournaments around the world and that he enjoyed his first visit to India.

«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.

«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.

However, Kisner was not convinced by those comments.

Kisner questions McIlroy’s explanation

During an appearance on the Fore Play podcast, the four-time PGA Tour winner was asked about McIlroy’s decision to compete in India and his comments about playing a global schedule.

The American responded by suggesting that the financial benefits were the real reason.

«That is such a ******** comment, 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 $10 million and go play in India,» Kisner said.

The former Ryder Cup player continued by questioning why some of the world’s best golfers would travel to a course where they cannot use their driver very often.

«I know there’s a pile of guys that got paid for that event. 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.»

Kisner also claimed that players often say things that tournament organizers want to hear.

«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. Which is totally fine, I’d do it too, and all of us on this podcast would.»

He added that he found it funny to see so many big names playing at a course that does not allow them to use some of their favorite clubs.

There has been no public confirmation that McIlroy received the $10 million appearance fee mentioned by Kisner.

McIlroy explains why he returned to India

The former world No. 1 spoke about the tournament during his press conference on Wednesday and explained that he wanted to support the DP World Tour.

He also mentioned his relationship with DP World, the company sponsoring the competition.

«I had a wonderful experience here last year, and I come here now as a DP World ambassador. Deepened my relationship obviously with the company that puts on this event but is also the umbrella sponsor of the DP World Tour,» McIlroy said.

The Northern Irishman also explained why he continues to play on the European circuit despite having achieved a lot of success on the PGA Tour.

«As much as I love the PGA TOUR and I’ve been successful there and done my time there, there is always a nostalgic feeling of wanting to come back to the DP World Tour because it’s where I started my career and where I feel like I was given my opportunity.»

McIlroy is chasing his eighth Race to Dubai title this season. He entered the tournament third in the standings, behind Patrick Reed and Eugenio Chacarra.

The competition has a $4 million prize fund and includes Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose and Robert MacIntyre.

McIlroy started the tournament with a two-under-par round of 70 on Thursday. His opening round was interrupted for more than four hours because of thunderstorms in New Delhi.

The 37-year-old finished four shots behind Danish golfer Niklas Norgaard, who opened with a 66.

«Yeah, it was okay. I felt like I hit the ball pretty well for the most part. Missed a few putts early on, got it going a little bit around the middle and then maybe missed a couple opportunities when we came back out after the delay,» McIlroy said.

The Northern Irishman remains in contention at Delhi Golf Club, where the tournament finishes on Sunday, October 18. After India, he is scheduled to compete at the Abu Dhabi Championship in November before the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.