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Kevin Kisner calls out Rory McIlroy for playing in India for appearance fee; McIlroy defends decision

Golf analyst Kevin Kisner sparked controversy by accusing Rory McIlroy of prioritizing a $10 million appearance fee over genuine efforts to grow the sport in India. Speaking on the *Fore Play Podcast*, Kisner dismissed McIlroy’s claims of altruism, suggesting the world No.

2 was simply playing the DP World Tour event for financial gain—particularly since the course’s short length would limit his use of his signature driver. Kisner even implied McIlroy might have been given a scripted message to promote international expansion as part of his compensation deal.

McIlroy fired back during an interview, arguing that both motives—earning a fee and fostering golf’s growth in India—could coexist. He highlighted the country’s massive middle-class population, larger than the entire U.S.

population, as a key market for the sport. While Kisner’s critique focused on McIlroy’s perceived lack of authenticity, the golfer’s response underscored the potential long-term benefits of engaging with emerging markets, even if financial incentives play a role.

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