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Rory McIlroy ventures into new territory by competing in the Indian tournament this week as he makes his comeback to competition for the initial occasion since the Ryder Cup.

While the Northern Irishman expands his golfing horizons, the DP World Tour enters the closing stage of this year's season-long championship. McIlroy is in the leading spot to secure the season-long title for the fourth consecutive year and seventh time overall.

There are only three additional tournaments after the Indian event; the following week's Genesis tournament in South Korea - which concludes the 'Back Nine' phase of the tour calendar - and then the last two competitions in the Middle East.

These particular big money playoff tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are exclusively available for the top 70 and then leading fifty in the standings.

But for the likes of Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry, who are also in this week's field in the subcontinent, there is less pressure than you might imagine.

Comfortably below the seventieth position, at initial inspection it would seem both need high finishes from their trip to the Delhi Golf Club to keep alive their campaigns. But, actually, they are already assured of their places in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

This results from a little publicised but pragmatic loophole whereby members of the European squad are also considered qualified for next month's season finale events.

The English golfer, who triumphed in the American playoff series with his stirring victory at August's Tour Championship in Georgia, sits ninety-fourth in the continental circuit's annual rankings. The Irish champion, who sank the winning stroke that secured the team trophy, is one hundred fifty-fifth.

Other European team-mates who can potentially benefit are Aberg (72nd) and Sepp Straka (147th).

This might question the integrity of a playoff structure, which by definition is supposed to bring cut-throat high-stakes drama, but this situation also demonstrates practical considerations faced by the Wentworth-based European circuit.

They are dependent on major sponsors such as the title partner, who are also the naming sponsors of this current tournament in the Asian nation. The tour requires the biggest stars at their premier tournaments to validate the investment, which runs to substantial funding.

Fleetwood has experienced one of his best campaigns, highlighted by his maiden victory on US territory at the Atlanta course just under two months ago.

He is one of the continent's superstars and, honestly, it would be unthinkable to host the 2025 season finale without him.

Practical considerations trumps competitive integrity, even though the top-ranked player - a Dubai resident - has saved his best performances for events that do not qualify on his home tour.

Fleetwood has so far played only four European tournaments and been unable to place in the top 20 at any tournament; the Dubai Desert Classic, UK tournament, flagship event or pro-am competition.

The majors also contribute on the Race to Dubai and his sixteenth-place finish at the Open was his only top 20 in the big four tournaments. However on the American-based circuit he enjoyed seven placements in the top five.

Fleetwood was also the team's highest contributor at the New York course last month. It seems ridiculous for him not to be participating with the tour's leading stars at the end of the season.

Although in the past the American and European circuits were fierce competitors they are now closely connected thanks to the cooperative partnership that underpins European tour prize funds.

While Marco Penge, last week's winner of the Open De Espana, has positioned himself in McIlroy's wing mirrors as his nearest challenger at the top of the Race to Dubai, much of the attention for the remaining schedule will have an US focus.

The narrative will be driven by the scramble for 10 places on the American circuit for those who do not currently possess playing rights in the United States. The rising star, with three European victories, is assured of what is generally considered as 'promotion' to the American tour.

The Clitheroe-based pro, who also secured invites to the Augusta National and British Open with his Spanish success, is not in the tournament lineup but will launch a last effort to try to overtake the leader at the top of the standings.

And Dan Brown, the man Penge beat in the Madrid play-off, is one of four other Britons in the midst of the battle for a 2026 PGA card.

Northern golfer John Parry and the Bath duo of Smith and Laurie Canter also presently hold spots that would provide a golden ticket for next year.

Some observers view this development as proof that the European circuit is now nothing more than a feeder for big brother on the American continent.

However the DP World Tour argue it is a crucial system that underpins their schedule, a necessary and attractive element that maximises playing opportunities for its participants.

Certainly this is the season period where the realities and necessary adjustments of men's professional golf seem at their clearest display.