DP WORLD INDIA CHAMPIONSHIP

October 15, 2026

Rory McIlroy

Delhi GC

Quick Quotes

Q. Rory, last year was a first for you in India; this year, you know what you really need to do to crack the code here. How was it out there for you today?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, it was okay. I think I hit the ball pretty well for the most part. Yeah, missed a few putts early on. Got it going a little bit around the middle. And then maybe missed a couple opportunities when we came back out after the delay.

So overall felt like it could have been a couple better, but still a solid start. No one is really getting away. The golf course is playing a little bit tougher than it did last year just with how long the rough is.

So we'll see how much we play tomorrow. We're not sure. But, yeah, it's a solid start, and obviously still a lot of golf left.

Q. I know it isn't probably your first delay, so how tough is it to get going again and finding that rhythm?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, it was -- a lot of us are staying on site here, so went back to the hotel and grabbed some lunch. Did feel it a little bit. You know, as the years go on it sort of takes a bit longer to get yourself going. Had a couple of, you know, poor shots to start off with as we came back, but I actually hit it nicely the last couple holes.

Yeah, it was a long day. Looking forward to an early night tonight.

Q. You mentioned about going back to the hotel. Everything that you've achieved in the game, something that you still do which I find incredible is practicing your swing in the hotel room. Why is that something that's so important to you?

RORY McILROY: I think you're always just trying to maintain what you have, trying to work on your swing a little bit. I feel like in the middle of the year I got into some bad habits, and I've been trying to get myself back out of them.

So, yeah, you know, I've got like about three four training aids in the room and a couple different weighted clubs. Yeah, you're always just trying to get it into the right spot. I feel like it's getting there. The swing is getting into a better shape, and that's reflected with some of the good shots I've hit.

Q. Look, you said how motivated you are (indiscernible). How do you approach that or change your approach to that knowing that you do need to have a good week this week?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, I think not to force it too much. Eugenio got off to a good start. Shot 5-under today. You know, (indiscernible) play few holes. So, yeah, I mean, I have to concentrate on myself. I know a good week here, that will set me up well for the last two weeks in the Middle East. My track record in the Middle East is really good, so if I can just eat in -- I don't need to be leading going into the last two weeks, but if I can just eat into that lead a little bit I feel like I'll have a good chance going in those final two events.