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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 Ryder Cup.

As the golf superstar widens his golfing horizons, the DP World Tour begins the closing stage of this year's season-long championship. The world-class golfer is in the leading spot to secure the season-long title for the fourth season running and seventh time overall.

There are only three more events following the Indian event; the following week's Genesis tournament in South Korea - which concludes the 'Back Nine' phase of the schedule - and then the last two competitions in the Arabian region.

These big money 'play-off' events in Abu Dhabi and the emirate are reserved for the top 70 and then leading fifty in the season rankings.

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

Comfortably below the top 70, at first glance it would appear both need strong performances from their trip to the Indian course to extend their campaigns. Yet, in fact, they are guaranteed in advance of their positions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

This is due to a little publicised but practical exception whereby participants of the European squad are also considered eligible for next month's closing tournaments.

Fleetwood, who triumphed in the American playoff series with his stirring victory at August's Tour Championship in Georgia, sits 94th in the continental circuit's season-long table. The Irish champion, who made the putt that secured the team trophy, is 155th.

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

This might question the fairness of a play-off system, which by definition is intended to bring cut-throat competitive jeopardy, but this scenario also illustrates practical considerations faced by the Wentworth-based DP World Tour.

The tour is reliant on major sponsors such as the title partner, who are also the naming sponsors of this current tournament in the Asian nation. The tour requires the biggest stars at their premier tournaments to justify the financial commitment, which runs to millions of dollars.

Fleetwood has experienced one of his best campaigns, capped by his maiden victory on American soil at East Lake just under two months ago.

Fleetwood represents one of the continent's superstars and, honestly, it would be unthinkable to stage the 2025 season finale without him.

Common sense overrides competitive integrity, even though the world number five - a Dubai resident - has reserved his best performances for tournaments that do not qualify on his domestic circuit.

Fleetwood has to date played only four European tournaments and failed to place in the top 20 at any tournament; the Middle Eastern event, Scottish Open, BMW PGA Championship or pro-am competition.

Major championships also contribute on the Race to Dubai and his share of 16th at the British Open was his only top 20 in the big four tournaments. But on the American-based circuit he achieved seven top-five finishes.

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

While in the previous era the American and European circuits were fierce competitors they are now closely connected thanks to the strategic alliance that supports DP World Tour financial rewards.

While the English golfer, recent champion of the Spanish Open, has moved into close pursuit as his closest rival at the summit of the Race to Dubai, much of the attention for the remaining schedule will have an US focus.

The narrative will be shaped by the competition for ten spots on the American circuit for those who do not currently possess tour cards in the US. The rising star, with three DPWT wins, is assured of what is widely regarded as 'promotion' to the American tour.

The Lancashire golfer, who also secured invitations to the Masters and Open with his Madrid victory, is not in the tournament lineup but will launch a last effort to try to overhaul McIlroy at the peak of the rankings.

And the English competitor, the player the champion beat in the Madrid play-off, is one of several British golfers in the thick of the competition for a future US tour card.

Yorkshireman Parry and the West Country pair of Smith and Laurie Canter also presently hold spots that would provide a golden ticket for the coming season.

Certain analysts see this scenario as evidence that the European circuit is now nothing more than a development tour for big brother on the American continent.

However the organization maintain it is a crucial system that underpins their schedule, a necessary and attractive element that maximises competitive chances for its members.

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