New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) Golf superstar Rory McIlroy is set to return to India later this year, with the five-time Major champion confirming his participation in the 2026 India Championship, scheduled to be held at the Delhi Golf Club from October 15 to 18.

The World No. 2 will headline the $4 million event, marking his second consecutive appearance at the tournament following a memorable debut last season that drew significant fan interest. Organisers have already opened ticket registrations, anticipating another strong turnout for one of the country’s premier golf events.

McIlroy’s return comes on the back of a remarkable run in recent years. The Northern Irishman cemented his legacy by completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta National Golf Club, adding the Masters title to his previous Major victories at the U.S. Open (2011), PGA Championship (2012, 2014), and The Open Championship (2014). His stellar 2025 season also included multiple wins on the PGA Tour, a second Irish Open title, and a key role in Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph in New York. He capped the year by securing his seventh Race to Dubai title, extending his dominance on the global stage.

Reflecting on his return, McIlroy said, “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.”

Joining him in the field will be Tommy Fleetwood, the reigning India Championship winner and current World No. 4, who claimed the inaugural title in 2025 as part of a standout season that also saw him win the FedExCup and feature in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory.

Launched in 2025 by the DP World Tour in partnership with the Professional Golf Tour of India, the India Championship has quickly established itself as a marquee event. It boasts the largest prize purse ever offered for a DP World Tour event in the country and plays a key role in the Tour’s Race to Dubai calendar.

The tournament forms part of the crucial “Back 9” phase of the season and will be the eighth of nine events leading into the season-ending playoffs, culminating at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

The continued presence of elite players highlights India’s growing stature in global golf. Building on the legacy of the long-standing Hero Indian Open, the India Championship reflects the sport’s expanding footprint in the region, supported by increasing investment, grassroots initiatives, and international partnerships.

With McIlroy and Fleetwood set to feature once again, the 2026 edition promises another showcase of world-class golf in the heart of New Delhi.

–IANS

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