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Rory McIlroy breaks new ground by competing in the Indian tournament this week as he returns to action for the initial occasion since the Ryder Cup.

While the golf superstar expands his competitive experience, the DP World Tour enters the final phase of this year's season-long championship. The world-class golfer is in the leading spot to claim the annual championship for the fourth consecutive year and seventh time overall.

There are only three additional tournaments after the India Championship; the subsequent week's Genesis Championship in Korean venue - which concludes the second half of the schedule - and then the final two tournaments in the Arabian region.

These particular high-stakes playoff tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are exclusively available for the leading seventy and then top 50 in the season rankings.

But for the likes of Fleetwood and Lowry, who are also in this tournament lineup in the subcontinent, there is less pressure than one would expect.

Comfortably outside the seventieth position, at initial inspection it would appear both need high finishes from their trip to the Delhi Golf Club to extend their seasons. Yet, in fact, they are guaranteed in advance of their places in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

This is due to a little publicised but practical exception whereby participants of Europe's Ryder Cup team are also considered qualified for the upcoming closing tournaments.

Fleetwood, who triumphed in the American playoff series with his stirring victory at August's Tour Championship in Georgia, lies 94th in the continental circuit's annual rankings. The Irish champion, who made the putt that secured the Ryder Cup, is 155th.

Other squad members who can potentially benefit are Aberg (72nd) and Sepp Straka (147th).

This could question the integrity of a playoff structure, which by definition is supposed to bring intense competitive jeopardy, but this scenario also illustrates realities faced by the Wentworth-based DP World Tour.

They are reliant on major sponsors such as DP World, who are also the title sponsors of this current tournament in India. The tour requires the biggest stars at their biggest events to validate the investment, which amounts to millions of dollars.

The talented golfer has experienced one of his most successful seasons, capped by his maiden victory on American soil at East Lake just under eight weeks past.

He is one of European golf's elite players and, frankly, it would be inconceivable to host the 2025 season finale without him.

Common sense overrides competitive integrity, even though the world number five - a Dubai resident - has saved his strongest showings for events that do not qualify on his domestic circuit.

Fleetwood has to date played only four DP World Tour events and failed to place in the leading twenty at any tournament; the Middle Eastern event, UK tournament, BMW PGA Championship or pro-am competition.

Major championships also contribute on the Race to Dubai and his share of 16th at the British Open was his only top 20 in the big four tournaments. However on the American-based circuit he achieved seven placements in the top five.

The European star was also Europe's top points scorer at the New York course last month. It would be ridiculous for him not to be participating alongside the circuit's top performers at the end of the campaign.

Although in the previous era the American and European circuits were deadly rivals they are now inextricably linked thanks to the cooperative partnership that supports DP World Tour prize funds.

As the English golfer, recent champion of the Spanish Open, has positioned himself in close pursuit as his nearest challenger at the summit of the season championship, much of the interest for the remaining schedule will have an US focus.

The storyline will be driven by the competition for 10 places on the American circuit for those who do not already have tour cards in the United States. Penge, with three DPWT wins, is assured of what is widely regarded as 'promotion' to the US circuit.

The Clitheroe-based pro, who also guaranteed invites to the Augusta National and Open with his Madrid victory, is not in the India field but will mount a last effort to try to overhaul the leader at the top of the rankings.

Meanwhile the English competitor, the player Penge defeated in the Madrid play-off, is one of several British golfers in the thick of the competition for a 2026 PGA card.

Yorkshireman John Parry and the Bath duo of Jordan Smith and Canter also currently occupy positions that would provide a golden ticket for the coming season.

Some observers view this development as proof that the DP World Tour is now nothing more than a feeder for big brother on the other side of the pond.

But the organization maintain it is a crucial system that supports their tour calendar, a essential and enticing element that maximises competitive chances for its participants.

Certainly this is the time of the year where the practical aspects and compromises of men's professional golf seem at their most evident.