McIlroy Defends India Appearance After Kisner’s Fee Claim

Rory McIlroy defended his decision to compete in India after Kevin Kisner questioned his motives and claimed he had received a $10 million appearance fee, a figure that has not been publicly confirmed. McIlroy said players can be paid to compete while also having a genuine interest in bringing golf to new markets. Kisner made the claim on a podcast, saying McIlroy was in India for the money rather than to help expand the sport. He also criticized McIlroy’s stated interest in growing golf there. The fee amount remains an allegation attributed to Kisner; no payment record or confirmation from McIlroy or the tournament organizer was reported. After his final round at the DP World India Championship, McIlroy said he had not seen Kisner’s comments and questioned why Kisner would comment on his presence in India. He argued that compensation and a genuine interest in developing golf in another country could both be true. McIlroy described India as an important market for the sport and said leading players should compete there. The exchange leaves their disagreement centered on motive. Kisner framed the appearance as primarily financially motivated, while McIlroy said being paid would...