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The Northern Irish golfer ventures into new territory by playing in the Indian tournament this week as he returns to action for the initial occasion since the prestigious team event.

As the golf superstar expands his competitive experience, the DP World Tour begins the final phase of this year's season-long championship. The world-class golfer is in pole position to secure the annual championship 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 South Korea - which concludes the 'Back Nine' phase of the schedule - and then the last two competitions in the Arabian region.

These particular high-stakes 'play-off' events in the UAE capital and the emirate are exclusively available for the top 70 and then top 50 in the standings.

But for the likes of Fleetwood and Lowry, who are also in this week's field in the subcontinent, there is less pressure than you might imagine.

Sitting outside the top 70, at first glance it would seem both need high finishes from their trip to the Indian course to keep alive their campaigns. Yet, in fact, they are guaranteed in advance of their places in Abu Dhabi and the final event.

This results from a little publicised but practical exception whereby participants of Europe's Ryder Cup team are also considered eligible for the upcoming closing tournaments.

The English golfer, who won the American playoff series with his impressive victory at August's Tour Championship in Georgia, lies 94th in the European tour's season-long table. Lowry, who made the putt that secured the Ryder Cup, is one hundred fifty-fifth.

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

This could challenge the fairness of a playoff structure, which by nature is intended to bring intense competitive jeopardy, but this situation also illustrates realities faced by the headquartered DP World Tour.

The tour is reliant on major sponsors such as DP World, who are also the title sponsors of this current tournament in the Asian nation. They need the biggest stars at their premier tournaments to validate the investment, which amounts to substantial funding.

The talented golfer has experienced one of his most successful seasons, highlighted by his first win on US territory at East Lake just under two months ago.

He is one of European golf's superstars and, honestly, it would be inconceivable to stage the 2025 season finale without him.

Common sense trumps competitive integrity, even though the world number five - a Dubai resident - has saved his best performances for tournaments that do not qualify on his home tour.

The Englishman has to date played only four DP World Tour events and failed to place in the leading twenty at any tournament; the Middle Eastern event, Scottish Open, BMW PGA Championship or Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The majors also contribute on the season standings 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 enjoyed seven top-five finishes.

The European star was also Europe's top points scorer at the New York course last month. It would be absurd for him not to be participating with the circuit's top performers at the conclusion of the season.

Although in the previous era the PGA and European tours were fierce competitors they are now inextricably linked thanks to the cooperative partnership that supports DP World Tour financial rewards.

While the English golfer, recent champion of the Open De Espana, has positioned himself in close pursuit as his closest rival at the summit of the season championship, much of the interest for the remaining schedule will have an US focus.

The narrative will be driven by the scramble for 10 places on the American circuit for those who do not already have playing rights in the United States. Penge, with three European victories, is guaranteed of what is widely regarded as advancement to the US circuit.

The Clitheroe-based pro, who also secured invitations to the Masters and Open with his Madrid victory, is not in the tournament lineup but will launch a final push to try to overhaul McIlroy at the top of the rankings.

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

Northern golfer John Parry and the Bath duo of Jordan Smith and Laurie Canter also currently occupy spots that would yield a valuable opportunity for the coming season.

Some observers view this development as proof that the European circuit is now nothing more than a feeder for big brother on the other side of the pond.

However the DP World Tour argue it is a crucial system that underpins their tour calendar, a necessary and attractive element that maximises competitive chances for its participants.

Undoubtedly this is the season period where the realities and compromises of elite golf competition seem at their clearest display.