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The Northern Irish golfer breaks new ground by playing in the Indian tournament this week as he makes his comeback to competition for the initial occasion since the prestigious team event.

While the golf superstar widens his competitive experience, the European golf circuit begins the closing stage of this year's season-long championship. McIlroy is in the leading spot to secure the annual championship for the fourth consecutive year and seventh occasion in total.

This includes only three additional tournaments after the Indian event; the following week's Genesis Championship in South Korea - which concludes the 'Back Nine' phase of the schedule - and then the last two competitions in the Middle East.

These high-stakes playoff tournaments in the UAE capital and the emirate are reserved for the top 70 and then top 50 in the standings.

However for the likes of Tommy Fleetwood and Lowry, who are also in this week's field in India, there is less pressure than one would expect.

Comfortably outside the seventieth position, at first glance it would seem both need high finishes from their visit to the Indian course to extend their campaigns. But, in fact, they are guaranteed in advance of their positions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

This is due to a rarely discussed but practical loophole whereby participants of Europe's Ryder Cup team are also deemed qualified for next month's closing tournaments.

The English golfer, who won the PGA Tour's play-offs with his stirring win at the season-ending event in Atlanta, lies ninety-fourth in the European tour's season-long table. Lowry, who sank the winning stroke that secured the Ryder Cup, is one hundred fifty-fifth.

Other squad members who can potentially benefit are Ludvig Aberg (72nd) and Sepp Straka (one hundred forty-seventh).

This could question the fairness of a play-off system, which by definition is intended to bring intense competitive jeopardy, but this situation also illustrates practical considerations faced by the Wentworth-based DP World Tour.

They are dependent on big backers such as DP World, who are also the naming sponsors of this week's event in the Asian nation. The tour requires the biggest stars at their biggest events to justify the investment, which amounts to substantial funding.

The talented golfer has enjoyed one of his best seasons, capped by his maiden victory on American soil at the Atlanta course just under eight weeks past.

He is one of European golf's elite players and, honestly, it would be unthinkable to host the upcoming season climax without him.

Practical considerations trumps competitive integrity, even though the world number five - a Dubai resident - has reserved his strongest showings for events that do not qualify on his domestic circuit.

The Englishman has so far played only four European tournaments and failed to place in the top 20 at any of them; the Dubai Desert Classic, UK tournament, flagship event or Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Major championships also count on the season standings and his share of 16th at the Open was his only top 20 in the major events. However on the US tour he achieved seven placements in the top five.

The European star was also the team's highest contributor at Bethpage last month. It seems absurd for him not to be participating with the tour's leading stars at the conclusion of the campaign.

Although in the past the PGA and European tours were fierce competitors they are now inextricably linked thanks to the strategic alliance that supports European tour financial rewards.

While Marco Penge, recent champion of the Open De Espana, has moved into close pursuit as his closest rival at the summit of the season championship, much of the interest for the rest of the season will have an US focus.

The narrative will be driven by the competition for ten spots on the American circuit for those who do not already have playing rights in the US. The rising star, with three DPWT wins, is guaranteed of what is widely regarded as 'promotion' to the American tour.

The Clitheroe-based pro, who also guaranteed invitations to the Augusta National and British Open with his Madrid victory, is not in the India field but will launch a last effort to try to overtake McIlroy at the top of the standings.

Meanwhile Dan Brown, the man the champion beat in the Spanish playoff, is one of several British golfers in the thick of the battle for a 2026 PGA card.

Northern golfer John Parry and the West Country pair of Jordan Smith and Canter also currently occupy spots that would yield a golden ticket for next year.

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

However the DP World Tour argue it is a vital mechanism that supports their tour calendar, a essential and enticing element that maximises playing opportunities for its members.

Certainly this is the season period where the practical aspects and necessary adjustments of elite golf competition seem at their most evident.