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Rory McIlroy ventures into new territory by competing in the Indian tournament this week as he returns to action for the initial occasion since the prestigious team event.

As the golf superstar expands his golfing horizons, the DP World Tour begins the closing stage of this year's Race to Dubai. McIlroy is in the leading spot to secure the season-long title for the fourth consecutive year and seventh occasion in total.

This includes only three more events after the Indian event; the subsequent week's Genesis Championship in South Korea - which concludes the 'Back Nine' phase of the tour calendar - and then the final two tournaments in the Middle East.

These big money playoff tournaments in the UAE capital and Dubai are reserved for the leading seventy and then top 50 in the season rankings.

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

Comfortably outside the top 70, at first glance it would appear both require strong performances from their visit to the Indian course to keep alive their seasons. But, actually, they are already assured of their positions in the UAE and the final event.

This is due to a little publicised but practical loophole whereby members of the European squad are also deemed eligible for next month's season finale events.

The English golfer, who won the American playoff series with his impressive victory at the season-ending event in Atlanta, lies 94th in the continental circuit's season-long table. Lowry, who made the winning stroke that retained the team trophy, is 155th.

Additional European team-mates who can potentially benefit are Ludvig Aberg (72nd) and Sepp Straka (one hundred forty-seventh).

This might question the fairness of a playoff structure, which by definition is supposed to bring cut-throat high-stakes drama, but this scenario also illustrates practical considerations faced by the headquartered European circuit.

They are dependent on major sponsors such as the title partner, who are also the naming sponsors of this current tournament in India. They need the biggest stars at their premier tournaments to justify the financial commitment, which amounts to substantial funding.

The talented golfer has experienced one of his best campaigns, capped by his first win on American soil at East Lake just under eight weeks past.

Fleetwood represents one of the continent's superstars and, frankly, it would be unthinkable to stage the 2025 season finale without him.

Common sense trumps competitive integrity, even though the top-ranked player - a Dubai resident - has saved his best performances for events that do not count on his domestic circuit.

The Englishman has to date played only four European tournaments and been unable to place in the leading twenty at any of them; the Middle Eastern event, Scottish Open, flagship event or pro-am competition.

Major championships also contribute on the season standings and his share of 16th at the Open was his only top 20 in the major events. However on the American-based circuit he enjoyed seven top-five finishes.

The European star was also the team's highest contributor at the New York course last month. It seems ridiculous for him not to be taking his place alongside the tour's leading stars at the end of the campaign.

While in the previous era the American and European circuits were deadly rivals they are now closely connected thanks to the cooperative partnership that underpins European tour financial rewards.

As the English golfer, last week's winner of the Spanish Open, has positioned himself in McIlroy's wing mirrors as his closest rival at the summit of the season championship, much of the attention for the remaining schedule will have an US focus.

The storyline will be driven by the scramble for 10 places on the PGA Tour for those who do not currently possess tour cards in the United States. Penge, with three European victories, is guaranteed of what is generally considered as advancement to the American tour.

The Lancashire golfer, who also guaranteed invites to the Masters and British Open with his Madrid victory, is not in the tournament lineup but will mount a last effort to try to overhaul McIlroy at the top of the standings.

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

Yorkshireman John Parry and the West Country pair of Jordan Smith and Canter also currently occupy spots that would provide a valuable opportunity for the coming season.

Some observers see this development as proof that the European circuit is now nothing more than a feeder for big brother on the other side of the pond.

But the organization argue it is a crucial system that supports their tour calendar, a necessary and enticing element that maximises playing opportunities for its members.

Undoubtedly this is the time of the year where the practical aspects and necessary adjustments of elite golf competition seem at their clearest display.