Imagine stepping onto a golf course without your most trusted club—your driver. Sounds risky, right? But that’s exactly what Rory McIlroy did at the DP World India Championship, and here’s where it gets even more intriguing: it didn’t stop him from delivering a solid start. In his first tournament since helping Europe clinch the Ryder Cup last month, McIlroy opted for a cautious strategy, leaving his driver in the locker, yet still managed a respectable 69 in the opening round. But here’s the kicker: even with this conservative approach, he found Delhi Golf Club far trickier than anticipated.
And this is the part most people miss: McIlroy’s round was a rollercoaster of six birdies and three bogeys, leaving him four shots behind Japan’s Keita Nakajima, who stole the show with a stunning 65. Nakajima’s performance wasn’t just impressive—it was a statement, putting him two shots clear of Spain’s Jorge Campillo. Meanwhile, McIlroy’s decision to prioritize precision over power sparked a debate: is this the future of his strategy, or just a one-off move?
McIlroy himself admitted the course was tougher than expected, especially with pin placements that seemed to defy practice rounds. ‘You’re trying to be as conservative as possible off the tee,’ he explained, ‘but the rough is unpredictable—you get a lot of fliers.’ Here’s the controversial part: Is McIlroy’s driver-less approach a sign of adaptability or a step back from his aggressive style? It’s a question that’s sure to divide opinions among golf enthusiasts.
Starting on the 10th hole, McIlroy birdied his opener before stumbling into back-to-back bogeys. He recovered brilliantly, picking up shots on the par-fives 14th and 18th, and added three more on his back nine before a final bogey at the eighth. Despite the ups and downs, he remains committed to his strategy: ‘You just have to get the ball in the fairway,’ he said. But is this the right call for a player of his caliber?
Nakajima, meanwhile, showcased why he’s a rising star, carding eight birdies and just one bogey in his flawless 65. At 25, with a DP World Tour victory already under his belt from last year’s Indian Open, he’s proving to be a force to watch. Playing alongside McIlroy, U.S. Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin opened with a 68, while Viktor Hovland, McIlroy’s European teammate, settled for a 71.
Here’s another point to ponder: With European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, Tommy Fleetwood, and Shane Lowry still to tee off in the first round, how will McIlroy’s strategy hold up against the competition? And more importantly, is this the start of a new trend in his game, or just a temporary adjustment?
As the tournament unfolds, one thing is clear: McIlroy’s driver-less approach has already sparked conversations. What do you think? Is this a smart move, or should he stick to his guns? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
