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

As the golf superstar widens his competitive experience, the European golf circuit begins the final phase of this year's Race to Dubai. McIlroy is in pole position to secure the annual championship for the fourth season running and seventh time overall.

There are only three additional tournaments after the Indian event; the following week's Genesis tournament in Korean venue - which wraps up the second half of the tour calendar - and then the last two competitions in the Arabian region.

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

However for players such as Fleetwood and Shane Lowry, who are also in this week's field in India, there is less pressure than you might imagine.

Sitting outside the top 70, at first glance it would appear both need high finishes from their visit to the Indian course to extend their campaigns. But, in fact, they are already assured of their positions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

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

The English golfer, who won the PGA Tour's play-offs with his stirring victory at August's Tour Championship in Atlanta, lies 94th in the continental circuit's season-long table. Lowry, who made the winning stroke that retained the team trophy, is one hundred fifty-fifth.

Other squad members who can also qualify are Ludvig Aberg (72nd) and Straka (one hundred forty-seventh).

This could challenge the integrity of a play-off system, which by nature is intended to bring intense competitive jeopardy, but this scenario also demonstrates practical considerations faced by the headquartered European circuit.

They are dependent on big backers such as DP World, who are also the title sponsors of this current tournament in India. The tour requires the biggest stars at their biggest events to justify the investment, which runs to millions of dollars.

Fleetwood has experienced one of his most successful seasons, capped by his maiden victory on US territory at the Atlanta course just under eight weeks past.

He is one of the continent's elite players and, frankly, it would be unthinkable to host the 2025 season finale without him.

Practical considerations overrides competitive integrity, even though the top-ranked player - a local resident - has reserved his best performances for events that do not qualify on his home tour.

The Englishman has so far played only four European tournaments and failed to finish in the leading twenty at any tournament; the Middle Eastern event, Scottish Open, flagship event or Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Major championships also contribute on the Race to Dubai and his share of 16th at the Open was his only top 20 in the big four tournaments. But on the US tour he enjoyed seven top-five finishes.

Fleetwood was also Europe's top points scorer at Bethpage last month. It seems absurd for him not to be taking his place alongside the tour's leading stars at the end of the season.

Although in the previous era the American and European circuits were deadly rivals they are now closely connected thanks to the cooperative partnership that underpins DP World Tour prize funds.

As Marco Penge, recent champion of the Open De Espana, has moved into close pursuit as his nearest challenger at the summit of the season championship, much of the interest for the remaining schedule will have an American bias.

The narrative will be shaped by the competition for 10 places on the American circuit for those who do not currently possess tour cards in the US. The rising star, with three European victories, is guaranteed of what is generally considered as 'promotion' to the American tour.

The Clitheroe-based pro, who also guaranteed invites to the Masters and British Open with his Spanish success, is not in the tournament lineup but will launch a final push to try to overtake the leader at the peak of the standings.

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

Northern golfer Parry and the Bath duo of Jordan Smith and Canter also currently occupy spots that would provide a golden ticket for next year.

Certain analysts view this development as proof that the DP World Tour is now essentially a development tour for big brother on the American continent.

But the DP World Tour maintain it is a vital mechanism that supports their tour calendar, a essential and enticing element that maximises playing opportunities for its members.

Undoubtedly this is the season period where the practical aspects and compromises of elite golf competition seem at their clearest display.