Why Ryder Cup Golfers Receive Automatic Access to Final DP World Tour Play-offs

Rory McIlroy ventures into new territory by competing in the Indian tournament this week as he makes his comeback to competition for the initial occasion since the prestigious team event.

As the golf superstar widens his competitive experience, the European golf circuit begins the closing stage of this year's Race to Dubai. McIlroy is in pole position to claim the season-long title for the fourth consecutive year and seventh occasion in total.

There are only three more events following the India Championship; the following week's Genesis Championship in Korean venue - which concludes the second half of the tour calendar - and then the final two tournaments in the Arabian region.

These particular big money 'play-off' events in the UAE capital and the emirate are exclusively available for the leading seventy and then top 50 in the standings.

But for the likes of Fleetwood and Shane Lowry, who are also in this tournament lineup in India, there is reduced stress than you might imagine.

Comfortably below the seventieth position, at first glance it would seem both require strong performances from their trip to the Indian course to keep alive their campaigns. Yet, actually, they are already assured of their positions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

This is due to a rarely discussed but practical loophole whereby participants of Europe's Ryder Cup team are also deemed qualified for the upcoming season finale events.

The English golfer, who won the American playoff series with his stirring victory at the season-ending event in Atlanta, lies 94th in the continental circuit's season-long table. The Irish champion, who sank the winning stroke that retained the team trophy, is 155th.

Other squad members who can potentially benefit are Ludvig Aberg (72nd) and Sepp Straka (one hundred forty-seventh).

This might question the integrity of a playoff structure, which by nature is supposed to bring intense high-stakes drama, but this scenario also illustrates realities faced by the headquartered DP World Tour.

They are dependent on major sponsors such as the title partner, who are also the title sponsors of this week's event in the Asian nation. The tour requires the biggest stars at their premier tournaments to validate the investment, which amounts to substantial funding.

Fleetwood has experienced one of his best campaigns, capped by his first win on US territory at East Lake just under eight weeks past.

Fleetwood represents one of European golf's superstars and, honestly, it would be unthinkable to host the upcoming season climax without him.

Practical considerations overrides pure competition, even though the world number five - a local resident - has reserved his strongest showings for tournaments that do not qualify on his home tour.

The Englishman has so far played only four European tournaments and failed to finish in the leading twenty at any of them; the Dubai Desert Classic, Scottish Open, flagship event or Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The majors also contribute on the season standings and his sixteenth-place finish at the British Open was his sole high finish in the major events. But on the American-based circuit he enjoyed seven top-five finishes.

The European star was also the team's highest contributor at the New York course last month. It seems ridiculous for him not to be taking his place alongside the circuit's top performers at the end of the campaign.

Although in the past the PGA and European tours were deadly rivals they are now closely connected thanks to the cooperative partnership that underpins DP World Tour financial rewards.

As the English golfer, recent champion of the Spanish Open, has moved into close pursuit as his closest rival at the top of the season championship, much of the interest for the remaining schedule will have an American bias.

The storyline will be shaped by the scramble for ten spots on the American circuit for those who do not currently possess tour cards in the United States. Penge, with three European victories, is assured of what is widely regarded as advancement to the American tour.

The Clitheroe-based pro, who also guaranteed invitations to the Masters and British Open with his Madrid victory, is not in the India field but will mount a final push to try to overhaul the leader at the peak of the standings.

Meanwhile Dan Brown, the man Penge defeated in the Madrid play-off, is one of four other Britons in the thick of the battle for a future US tour card.

Yorkshireman John Parry and the West Country pair of Smith and Laurie Canter also presently hold positions that would yield a valuable opportunity for the coming season.

Certain analysts see this development as proof that the DP World Tour is now nothing more than a development tour for the larger circuit on the other side of the pond.

But the organization argue it is a crucial system that underpins their tour calendar, a essential and attractive feature that optimizes playing opportunities for its members.

Certainly this is the time of the year where the realities and compromises of elite golf competition seem at their clearest display.