‘How would he know?’: Rory McIlroy dismisses Kevin Kisner’s cash-grab claim

Rory McIlroy has dismissed criticism from Kevin Kisner regarding his motivations for playing in the DP World India Championship in New Delhi. Kisner had claimed on the Fore Play podcast that marquee players were competing strictly for appearance fees rather than attempting to grow the game. When questioned about the remarks, McIlroy responded by asking how Kisner would know his true motivations.

McIlroy argued that financial incentives and a genuine desire to develop the sport in emerging markets can coexist. He, along with golfers Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose, received appearance fees for the event. On the course, McIlroy finished tied for 42nd, 17 shots behind tournament winner Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra.