Rory McIlroy has signed a lucrative new contract with DP World, securing access to his own fitness and recovery trailers on both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. The deal was announced ahead of this week's DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club, where McIlroy is competing in a star-studded field.
The two-time Masters champion will now have a mobile performance base for himself and his team, meaning he no longer has to rely on what tournament courses have to offer. DP World, the title sponsor of the European Tour, will handle the delivery, installation, storage and removal of the trailers.
McIlroy's new deal and ambassadorial role
McIlroy, who has become a DP World ambassador as part of the arrangement, said: "When you're competing around the world, consistency really matters. Having the same environment to train and recover in every week gives me and my team one less thing to think about and lets us focus on preparing and performing."
The Race to Dubai heats up on Thursday as the DP World India Championship tees off, with the season-ending DP World Tour Championship looming in November. McIlroy enters the week in third place, sitting right within striking distance of standings leader Patrick Reed.
Rivals mock McIlroy's legwear
McIlroy was brutally mocked by his peers for his choice of legwear ahead of the championship. The 37-year-old can usually be seen in fitted slacks but, perhaps due to the oppressive heat in Delhi, he has adopted a baggier look. On arriving at the course on Tuesday, his new look was made fun of by Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Justin Rose, much to the amusement of Ryan Fox and Robert MacIntyre.
It's not the first time McIlroy has been teased by his rivals, as he was mocked last year for turning up at the Scottish Open sporting surprisingly short hair.
McIlroy's stance on LIV Golf returns
McIlroy says LIV Golf players should be allowed to return to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, despite his previous criticism of the rebel league. He has been one of LIV's fiercest critics since the tour triggered a civil war in men's golf in 2022.
Following the withdrawal of Saudi backing from LIV, numerous big names are jumping ship, including Jon Rahm. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Delhi this week, McIlroy said: "Yes, I would [let former LIV Golf players come back]. I think a rising tide lifts all boats, and I think having some of these players back is beneficial for the business of the Tours, absolutely."
McIlroy added that the membership of both tours would need to be consulted for allowing LIV players back. He can understand why some would have reservations, but added: "On one hand, I'm sure some members that stayed loyal would feel hard done by if these guys can just walk straight back in. But then on the other side, having these players back on your tour is very good for business and that can drive revenues up and then everyone can benefit from that. There certainly is a balance there."
