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The Northern Irish golfer breaks new ground by playing in India this week as he returns to competition for the first time since the prestigious team event.

As the golf superstar expands his golfing horizons, the European golf circuit enters the final phase of this year's season-long championship. The world-class golfer is in the leading spot to claim the season-long title for the fourth season running and seventh time overall.

There are only three more events after the Indian event; the subsequent week's Genesis Championship in Korean venue - which wraps up the 'Back Nine' phase of the tour calendar - and then the final two tournaments in the Middle East.

These particular high-stakes 'play-off' events in Abu Dhabi and the emirate are exclusively available for the leading seventy and then leading fifty in the season rankings.

However for the likes of Fleetwood and Lowry, who are also in this week's field in the subcontinent, there is reduced stress than one would expect.

Comfortably outside the top 70, at initial inspection it would seem both need strong performances from their visit to the Delhi Golf Club to extend their campaigns. But, actually, they are guaranteed in advance of their positions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

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

The English golfer, who won the PGA Tour's play-offs with his stirring victory at the season-ending event in Atlanta, lies ninety-fourth in the continental circuit's season-long table. Lowry, who sank the putt that secured the Ryder Cup, is one hundred fifty-fifth.

Additional European team-mates who can potentially benefit are Aberg (seventy-second) and Straka (147th).

This could question the fairness of a play-off system, which by definition is intended to bring intense high-stakes drama, but this scenario also illustrates realities faced by the Wentworth-based DP World Tour.

They are dependent on big backers such as DP World, who are also the naming sponsors of this current tournament in India. The tour requires the top players at their biggest events to justify the financial commitment, which amounts to millions of dollars.

The talented golfer has enjoyed one of his most successful seasons, highlighted by his maiden victory on US territory at the Atlanta course just under two months ago.

Fleetwood represents one of European golf's superstars and, honestly, it would be inconceivable to host the 2025 season finale without him.

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

Fleetwood has so far played only four European tournaments and been unable to finish in the leading twenty at any tournament; the Dubai Desert Classic, UK tournament, BMW PGA Championship or pro-am competition.

The majors also count on the season standings and his share of 16th at the British Open was his only top 20 in the major events. However on the American-based circuit he achieved seven placements in the top five.

Fleetwood was also Europe's top points scorer at Bethpage last month. It would be absurd for him not to be taking his place with the circuit's top performers at the end of the campaign.

Although in the previous era the PGA and European tours were fierce competitors they are now inextricably linked thanks to the strategic alliance that supports European tour prize funds.

While Marco Penge, recent champion of the Spanish Open, has positioned himself in close pursuit as his nearest challenger at the top of the Race to Dubai, much of the attention for the rest of the season will have an US focus.

The narrative will be driven 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 'promotion' to the US circuit.

The Clitheroe-based pro, who also secured invitations to the Masters and British Open with his Spanish success, is not in the India field but will launch a last effort to try to overhaul McIlroy at the top of the rankings.

And Dan Brown, the player Penge defeated in the Madrid play-off, is one of four other Britons in the midst of the competition for a 2026 PGA card.

Northern golfer John Parry and the West Country pair of Jordan Smith and Laurie Canter also presently hold spots that would provide a valuable opportunity for next year.

Some observers view this scenario as evidence that the DP World Tour is now nothing more than a development tour for big brother on the other side of the pond.

However the DP World Tour argue it is a crucial system that supports their schedule, a necessary and attractive feature that optimizes playing opportunities for its participants.

Undoubtedly this is the season period where the realities and necessary adjustments of elite golf competition seem at their most evident.