Rory McIlroy has responded to criticism from former US Ryder Cup vice-captain Kevin Kisner over his appearance at the DP World India Championship, where he reportedly received a £7.5 million fee.
Speaking before the tournament, McIlroy said he entered to help grow the game in India. Kisner mocked that claim, saying the Masters champion was there because of his reputed appearance fee. Kisner said: "He doesn't want to globally expand in India, he wants to get his 10 million bucks for playing in India."
When that claim was put to him, McIlroy did not deny he had received an appearance fee but insisted promoting golf in India was also part of his motivation. McIlroy said: "I don't know why me being in India would make Kis need to comment on that. Two things can be true at the same time."
McIlroy explains India motivation
McIlroy added: "People can get paid to come and play at a tournament, but at the same time, do it from a place of 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."
The row comes after the Race to Dubai gained a new front-runner, with Eugenio Chacarra claiming his third title of the season at the DP World India Championship. The Spaniard leads the race ahead of Patrick Reed in second and McIlroy in third.
Fleetwood and Lee updates
Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood finished in a tie for fifth, eight shots behind Chacarra on 13 under par, after a final-round 68. Robert MacIntyre and Tom McKibbin were another shot further back, while Shane Lowry finished tied for 15th on 10 under and McIlroy at four under in a tie for 42nd.
Min Woo Lee has explained his sudden withdrawal from the India Championship. The Australian had completed five holes of his second round before fading curtailed play. Lee, 28, was due to resume early on Saturday morning, only to be forced to withdraw after falling ill. He wrote on social media: "Sad to say I've had to withdraw from the DP World India Championship. Stomach illness triggered some tough back spasms, and I'm just not able to compete this weekend."
Lee added: "Huge thanks to DP World, the tournament staff, and all the fans for the incredible hospitality and support this week. Priority now is getting back to 100 percent." The withdrawal saw Lee drop five places to 34th in the Race to Dubai standings.
Next up is the Genesis Championship in South Korea before the two play-off tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to round off the season.
