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Rory McIlroy breaks new ground by competing in the Indian tournament this week as he makes his comeback to action for the first time since the Ryder Cup.

As the Northern Irishman widens his competitive experience, the European golf circuit begins 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 additional tournaments after the Indian event; the subsequent week's Genesis Championship in South Korea - which concludes the 'Back Nine' phase of the schedule - and then the final two tournaments in the Arabian region.

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

But for the likes of Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry, who are also in this week's field in India, there is reduced stress than you might imagine.

Comfortably outside the top 70, at initial inspection it would appear both need high finishes from their visit to the Indian course to extend their seasons. But, in fact, they are already assured of their places in Abu Dhabi and the final event.

This results from a rarely discussed but pragmatic exception whereby participants of Europe's Ryder Cup team are also considered eligible for next month's closing tournaments.

The English golfer, who triumphed in the American playoff series with his impressive win at August's Tour Championship in Georgia, lies 94th in the continental circuit's annual rankings. The Irish champion, who made the winning stroke that secured the Ryder Cup, is one hundred fifty-fifth.

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

This might question the integrity of a playoff structure, which by definition is intended to bring cut-throat competitive jeopardy, but this scenario also illustrates realities faced by the Wentworth-based DP World Tour.

The tour is reliant on big backers such as DP World, who are also the title sponsors of this current tournament in India. They need the biggest stars at their biggest events to justify the financial commitment, which amounts to substantial funding.

The talented golfer has enjoyed one of his best seasons, highlighted by his maiden victory on US territory at East Lake just under two months ago.

He is one of the continent's superstars and, frankly, it would be inconceivable to host the 2025 season finale without him.

Common sense trumps competitive integrity, even though the world number five - a local resident - has saved his best performances for events that do not qualify on his domestic circuit.

Fleetwood has so far played only four DP World Tour events and failed to finish in the leading twenty at any tournament; the Dubai Desert Classic, UK tournament, flagship event or Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Major championships also count on the Race to Dubai and his sixteenth-place finish 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.

Fleetwood was also the team's highest contributor at Bethpage last month. It seems ridiculous for him not to be participating alongside the tour's leading stars at the end of the campaign.

Although in the previous era the American and European circuits were deadly rivals they are now inextricably linked thanks to the strategic alliance that supports European tour financial rewards.

While the English golfer, recent champion of the Open De Espana, has positioned himself in McIlroy's wing mirrors as his nearest challenger at the top of the season championship, much of the interest for the remaining schedule will have an US focus.

The narrative will be driven by the competition for ten spots on the PGA Tour for those who do not currently possess playing rights in the United States. The rising star, with three DPWT wins, is assured of what is widely regarded as advancement to the US circuit.

The Lancashire golfer, who also guaranteed invitations to the Augusta National and Open with his Spanish success, is not in the India field but will launch a final push to try to overtake the leader at the peak of the rankings.

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

Yorkshireman Parry and the Bath duo of Jordan Smith and Laurie Canter also presently hold spots that would yield a golden ticket 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 DP World Tour argue it is a vital mechanism that underpins their schedule, a essential and enticing feature that optimizes playing opportunities 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.