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The Northern Irish golfer ventures into new territory by playing in India this week as he makes his comeback to competition for the first time since the Ryder Cup.

As the Northern Irishman expands his competitive experience, 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 season running and seventh time overall.

There are only three additional tournaments after the India Championship; the following week's Genesis Championship in South Korea - which concludes the 'Back Nine' phase of the schedule - and then the last two competitions in the Middle East.

These high-stakes 'play-off' events in the UAE capital and the emirate are exclusively available for the top 70 and then top 50 in the season rankings.

However for players such as Tommy Fleetwood and Lowry, who are also in this tournament lineup in the subcontinent, there is less pressure than one would expect.

Comfortably outside the seventieth position, at initial inspection it would seem both require high finishes from their visit to the Delhi Golf Club to keep alive their seasons. Yet, in fact, they are guaranteed in advance of their positions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

This results from a rarely discussed but practical exception whereby members of the European squad are also considered qualified for the upcoming closing tournaments.

Fleetwood, who won the PGA Tour's play-offs with his stirring victory at August's Tour Championship in Georgia, sits 94th in the European tour's season-long table. The Irish champion, who made the winning stroke that secured the team trophy, is 155th.

Other squad members who can also qualify are Aberg (72nd) and Straka (147th).

This could challenge the fairness of a playoff structure, which by definition is intended to bring intense high-stakes drama, but this scenario also illustrates practical considerations faced by the headquartered European circuit.

The tour is dependent on big backers such as the title partner, who are also the title sponsors of this week's event in India. The tour requires the biggest stars at their premier tournaments to justify the investment, which amounts to substantial funding.

Fleetwood has experienced one of his most successful campaigns, highlighted by his maiden victory on American soil at East Lake just under two months ago.

Fleetwood represents one of European golf's superstars and, frankly, it would be inconceivable to host the upcoming season climax without him.

Common sense overrides pure competition, even though the top-ranked player - a local resident - has reserved his strongest showings for events that do not count on his domestic circuit.

Fleetwood has so far played only four European tournaments and been unable to finish in the top 20 at any tournament; the Dubai Desert Classic, UK tournament, flagship event or Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The majors also count on the season standings and his share of 16th at the Open was his sole high finish in the big four tournaments. But on the US tour he enjoyed seven top-five finishes.

Fleetwood was also the team's highest contributor at Bethpage last month. It would be ridiculous for him not to be taking his place alongside the tour's leading stars at the conclusion of the campaign.

While in the previous era the PGA and European tours were deadly rivals they are now closely connected thanks to the strategic alliance that supports European tour financial rewards.

As Marco Penge, 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 American bias.

The narrative will be shaped by the competition for 10 places on the PGA Tour for those who do not already have tour cards in the US. Penge, with three DPWT wins, is assured of what is widely regarded as 'promotion' to the American tour.

The Lancashire golfer, who also guaranteed invites to the Augusta National and Open with his Spanish success, is not in the India field but will launch a last effort to try to overtake the leader at the peak of the rankings.

And Dan Brown, the man the champion defeated in the Spanish playoff, is one of several British golfers in the midst of the competition for a 2026 PGA card.

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

Some observers view this scenario as evidence that the European circuit is now essentially a feeder for the larger circuit on the American continent.

But the organization argue it is a vital mechanism that supports their schedule, a essential and enticing element that optimizes competitive chances for its participants.

Undoubtedly this is the time of the year where the practical aspects and necessary adjustments of men's professional golf seem at their clearest display.