🔗 Share this article

Rory McIlroy breaks new ground by competing in the Indian tournament this week as he returns to action for the first time since the Ryder Cup.

As the Northern Irishman widens his competitive experience, the European golf circuit begins the final phase of this year's season-long championship. The world-class golfer is in the leading spot to claim the season-long title for the fourth consecutive year and seventh occasion in total.

There are only three more events after the Indian event; the subsequent week's Genesis Championship in Korean venue - which wraps up the second half of the schedule - and then the final two tournaments in the Middle East.

These particular high-stakes playoff tournaments in the UAE capital and the emirate are reserved for the top 70 and then leading fifty in the standings.

However for the likes of Fleetwood and Shane Lowry, who are also in this tournament lineup in the subcontinent, there is reduced stress than you might imagine.

Comfortably outside the seventieth position, at first glance it would appear both require high finishes from their visit to the Indian course to keep alive their seasons. Yet, actually, they are guaranteed in advance of their positions in Abu Dhabi and the final event.

This results from a little publicised but pragmatic loophole whereby members 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 the season-ending event in Atlanta, sits 94th in the continental circuit's annual rankings. Lowry, who made the putt that retained the team trophy, is one hundred fifty-fifth.

Other European team-mates who can also qualify are Aberg (72nd) and Sepp Straka (one hundred forty-seventh).

This might question the fairness of a playoff structure, which by definition is intended to bring intense high-stakes drama, but this situation also demonstrates realities faced by the headquartered European circuit.

They are reliant on major sponsors such as the title partner, who are also the title sponsors of this week's event in the Asian nation. They need the biggest stars at their premier tournaments to validate the investment, which amounts to substantial funding.

The talented golfer has enjoyed one of his best campaigns, highlighted by his first win on American soil at the Atlanta course just under two months ago.

He is one of European golf's elite players and, frankly, it would be unthinkable to stage the upcoming season climax without him.

Practical considerations trumps competitive integrity, even though the top-ranked player - a local resident - has saved his strongest showings for tournaments that do not count on his home tour.

Fleetwood has so far played only four DP World Tour events and been unable to finish in the top 20 at any of them; the Middle Eastern event, Scottish Open, flagship event or Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Major championships also count on the Race to Dubai and his share of 16th at the British Open was his sole high finish in the big four tournaments. But on the US tour he enjoyed seven placements in the top five.

Fleetwood was also Europe's top points scorer at Bethpage last month. It seems ridiculous for him not to be participating with the tour's leading stars at the conclusion of the campaign.

While in the past the PGA and European tours were deadly rivals they are now inextricably linked thanks to the cooperative partnership that underpins DP World Tour prize funds.

While Marco Penge, recent champion of the Spanish Open, has positioned himself in McIlroy's wing mirrors as his closest rival at the summit of the Race to Dubai, much of the interest for the rest of the season will have an US focus.

The storyline will be shaped by the competition for ten spots on the American circuit for those who do not currently possess tour cards in the US. Penge, with three European victories, is assured of what is generally considered as 'promotion' to the US circuit.

The Lancashire golfer, who also secured invitations to the Augusta National and Open with his Spanish success, is not in the tournament lineup but will launch a final push to try to overhaul McIlroy at the top of the standings.

Meanwhile Dan Brown, the player Penge beat in the Spanish playoff, is one of several British golfers in the midst of the battle for a future US tour card.

Northern golfer John Parry and the Bath duo of Jordan Smith and Canter also currently occupy positions that would provide a valuable opportunity for the coming season.

Certain analysts see this development as evidence that the European circuit is now essentially a development tour for the larger circuit on the American continent.

However the DP World Tour argue it is a vital mechanism that supports their tour calendar, a essential and enticing feature that maximises competitive chances for its participants.

Certainly this is the season period where the practical aspects and compromises of men's professional golf seem at their most evident.