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‘Wants his $10 million': Kevin Kisner rips Rory McIlroy for ‘grow the game' contradiction in India

Golf’s global expansion narrative took a sharp turn this week as Kevin Kisner publicly questioned Rory McIlroy’s motives behind his participation in the DP World India Championship. During an appearance at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, McIlroy spoke about increasing golf’s accessibility in India, framing his involvement as part of a broader effort to grow the sport.

However, Kisner dismissed those claims on the *Fore Play* podcast, suggesting McIlroy’s primary motivation was financial, citing the reported $10 million appearance fee for the event. Kisner highlighted the irony of McIlroy’s absence from the tournament’s actual play, noting the star would not be using his signature driver—a detail that further fueled skepticism about his commitment to the sport’s development in the region.

The criticism extended to other players attending the event, with Kisner arguing their presence was more about lucrative paydays than genuine engagement with India’s golfing community. The debate underscores the tension between commercial incentives and the stated goals of expanding golf’s reach in emerging markets.

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