Rory McIlroy has rejected Kevin Kisner's suggestion that his sole motivation for competing in the DP World India Championship was a substantial appearance fee. The six-time major champion was the headline act at Delhi Golf Club, where Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Patrick Reed also featured.
McIlroy's response
McIlroy endured a frustrating week, carding a two-over-par 74 in his final round to finish at four under, well adrift of leader Eugenio Chacarra's winning score. However, making his second visit to the £3million event, he insisted he thoroughly enjoyed his time in New Delhi and stressed India's significance to golf's growth.
"I didn't see that. I don't know why me being in India would make Kis need to comment on that," McIlroy told reporters when made aware of Kisner's remarks. "Two things can be true at the same time."
"People can get paid to come and play at a tournament, but at the same time, do it from a place of a genuine interest of trying to bring the sport to another country, a developing country, a country where the middle class in India is larger than the whole population of the United States. It's a huge market for golf."
Kisner's criticism
Four-time PGA Tour winner Kisner, now NBC's lead golf analyst, delivered his criticism on the 'Fore Play Podcast,' challenging McIlroy's earlier statements about expanding the game in emerging markets.
"That is such a dog s*** comment, but I guess for the right price, we could all say that comment," Kisner said. "He doesn't want to globally expand in India; he wants to get his $10million bucks and go play in India."
"I know there's a pile of guys that got paid for that event. How else would you get that event in India with eight billion people in the middle of the city? And Rory's not even hitting a driver this week. You think he wants to go play a tournament where he can't use his No. 1 weapon? So give me a break."
Kisner continued: "They always seem to say the right things while they're over there. As part of your appearance fee, 'Here's your script for altruism, and you need to mention these four lines in whatever interview you do throughout the week,' which is totally fine, I'd do it too, and all of us on this podcast would.
"I just find it hilarious when you can pop up and play an event where Rory McIlroy can't hit his driver, and all those guys show up, and nobody's like, 'Alright, this is stupid', when they can go play the sickest course in the world, and none of them show up. It's just very odd to me."
Next steps
McIlroy is set to return to competitive action next month in Abu Dhabi for the start of the DP World Tour play-offs. He is pursuing a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai crown, though faces significant ground to make up after Chacarra secured victory in New Delhi on 21-under, 17 shots ahead of McIlroy.
