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The Northern Irish golfer ventures into new territory by playing in the Indian tournament this week as he makes his comeback to action for the first time since the prestigious team event.

As the Northern Irishman expands his competitive experience, 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 claim the season-long title for the fourth season running and seventh time overall.

This includes only three more events following the Indian event; the following week's Genesis tournament in Korean venue - which concludes the second half of the schedule - and then the last two competitions in the Middle East.

These particular high-stakes playoff tournaments in the UAE capital and the emirate are exclusively available for the top 70 and then leading fifty in the standings.

But for the likes of Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry, who are also in this tournament lineup 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 seasons. Yet, actually, they are guaranteed in advance of their positions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

This is due to a little publicised but pragmatic loophole whereby members of the European squad are also deemed qualified for the upcoming closing tournaments.

Fleetwood, who won the PGA Tour's play-offs with his impressive win at the season-ending event in Atlanta, lies 94th in the European tour's season-long table. The Irish champion, who sank the winning stroke that retained the Ryder Cup, is one hundred fifty-fifth.

Other squad members who can potentially benefit are Aberg (seventy-second) and Straka (one hundred forty-seventh).

This might question the fairness of a play-off system, which by nature is supposed to bring intense high-stakes drama, but this situation also demonstrates realities faced by the headquartered European circuit.

They are reliant on major sponsors such as DP World, 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 investment, which amounts to millions of dollars.

Fleetwood has enjoyed one of his most successful campaigns, capped by his maiden victory on US territory at East Lake just under two months ago.

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

Practical considerations trumps competitive integrity, even though the top-ranked player - a local resident - has reserved his strongest showings for tournaments that do not qualify on his home tour.

The Englishman has to date played only four DP World Tour events and been unable to place in the top 20 at any of them; the Dubai Desert Classic, UK tournament, BMW PGA Championship or pro-am competition.

Major championships also contribute on the Race to Dubai and his sixteenth-place finish at the Open was his only top 20 in the major events. However on the American-based circuit he enjoyed seven placements in the top five.

The European star was also the team's highest contributor at Bethpage last month. It would be ridiculous for him not to be taking his place with the tour's leading stars at the conclusion of the season.

While in the past the American and European circuits were deadly rivals they are now inextricably linked thanks to the cooperative partnership that supports European tour financial rewards.

While the English golfer, last week's winner of the Open De Espana, has positioned himself in McIlroy's wing mirrors 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 storyline will be driven by the scramble for 10 places on the PGA Tour for those who do not currently possess tour cards in the US. Penge, with three European victories, is guaranteed of what is generally considered as 'promotion' to the American tour.

The Lancashire golfer, who also secured invitations to the Masters and British Open with his Spanish success, is not in the tournament lineup but will mount a last effort to try to overhaul McIlroy at the top of the rankings.

Meanwhile the English competitor, the player Penge defeated in the Spanish playoff, is one of several British golfers in the thick of the battle for a 2026 PGA card.

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

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

However the DP World Tour maintain it is a crucial system that supports their tour calendar, a necessary and attractive element that maximises playing opportunities for its participants.

Certainly this is the time of the year where the practical aspects and necessary adjustments of men's professional golf seem at their most evident.