Rory McIlroy Opens at 69 at India Event Without Using Driver Club

World India Championship's Delhi Golf Club without his driver, carding a 3-under 69 despite early setbacks. Shane Lowry leads the tournament after a stellar 64.">
World India Championship, Golf, Shane Lowry, Tournament">

October 28, 2025, 7:12 AM ET

McIlroy Overcomes Driverless Round, Lowry Takes Early Lead at DP World India Championship

New Delhi – Rory McIlroy embarked on an unconventional opening round at the DP World India Championship today, opting to leave his driver in the locker and relying instead on precision irons and fairway woods at the demanding Delhi Golf Club. Despite this strategic choice, the World Number Two finished the day at 3-under 69, five strokes behind the leading Shane Lowry.

Early Struggles and a Resilient Back Nine

The Northern Irish star began his day with a remarkable chip-in for birdie on the 10th hole, immediately showcasing his touch. However, challenges quickly emerged as he three-putted on the 11th, followed by failing to save par on the next two holes, resulting in back-to-back bogeys. Despite leaving the driver at home, McIlroy skillfully navigated the par-5s, securing birdies on both to finish the front nine at 1-under.He continued his momentum, adding three more birdies over the next seven holes.

A late bogey on the 522-yard eighth ultimately settled his score at 3-under 69.”Dog [driver] was out of the bag, probably asleep in the locker,” McIlroy shared with reporters after his round. “Sometimes, being conservative off the par-5s is a good idea, but I’m never going to hit driver. So, I opted for a 2-iron, 3-iron, and 4-iron approach, with a 5-wood as a backup.”

Lowry Sets the Pace with Extraordinary Birdie Run

Shane Lowry stole the show with an exceptional 64, fueled by an unbelievable run of eight birdies. Interestingly, Lowry found the sounds of Delhi traffic a welcome distraction compared to the opposed atmosphere he experienced at the recent Ryder Cup.He played alongside European captain Luke Donald and teammate Tommy Fleetwood, enjoying a competitive yet amicable round.

“We all had a great time, and we all played well,” Lowry commented. “I just happened to make a few more birdies than they did on the back nine. The horns from the road were far less distracting than the Bethpage crowd.” Both Fleetwood and Donald carded scores of 4-under.

Other Notable Performances

Keita Nakajima, aiming to secure a PGA Tour card for 2026, also demonstrated strong form with five consecutive birdies. Ben Griffin, a recent Ryder Cup participant, opened with a 68, accompanied by fellow American Michael Kim, who overcame visa delays to compete. Kim had already secured a European Tour victory this year at the French Open.

Player Name	Score	Position
Shane Lowry	64	1st
Rory McIlroy	69	T6
Luke Donald	70	T8
Tommy Fleetwood	70	T8

The Rising Trend of Strategic Club Selection in Professional Golf

The decision by Rory McIlroy to forgo his driver highlights a growing trend in professional golf: prioritizing precision and course management over sheer power. While a driver can provide significant distance, its effectiveness is diminished on tight, tree-lined courses, where accuracy is paramount.

Did You know? The average driving distance on the PGA Tour has increased over the past decade, but so has the emphasis on ball-striking and approach play. Players are increasingly recognizing the importance of positioning themselves for scoring opportunities, even if it means sacrificing some distance off the tee.

Pro Tip: When facing a challenging course,consider leaving the driver in the bag and focusing on hitting fairways with irons and fairway woods. This can lead to more consistent approach shots and lower scores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rory McIlroy’s Strategy

• Why did Rory McIlroy leave his driver out of the bag? He felt the narrow course at Delhi Golf Club didn’t suit the driver, preferring more accuracy with irons and fairway woods.
• How did McIlroy’s score compare to others in the tournament? He finished at 3-under 69,five strokes behind leader Shane Lowry.
• What did Shane Lowry say about the course conditions? Lowry stated the Delhi traffic noise was more manageable than the atmosphere at the Ryder Cup.
• Is leaving the driver out of the bag a common strategy? It’s a less common but increasingly considered strategy, especially on courses where accuracy is prioritized over distance.
• What are McIlroy’s plans for the remainder of the year? McIlroy plans to compete in the Abu Dhabi Championship,DP World Tour Championship,and the australian Open.

What are your thoughts on McIlroy’s unconventional strategy? Do you think more players will adopt similar approaches in the future?

share your opinions and engage in the conversation below!

What strategic factors influenced Rory McIlroy’s decision to forgo using his driver during the first round?

First Round Performance & Strategic Play

Rory McIlroy carded an extraordinary opening round of 69 at the recent India golf event, a feat made particularly noteworthy by his decision to forgo his driver throughout the entire round. This strategic choice, unusual for a player of McIlroy’s caliber, instantly sparked discussion amongst golf analysts and fans alike. The course, known for its tight fairways and strategic hazards, seemingly dictated a different approach than the power-focused game McIlroy typically employs. His score places him within striking distance of the leaders, demonstrating the effectiveness of his altered game plan.

This performance highlights the adaptability of top-tier golfers and the importance of course management.Key to his success was precise iron play and a reliance on his 3-wood for distance.

Why Ditch the Driver? Course Conditions & Strategy

The decision to leave the driver in the bag wasn’t a spontaneous one. Several factors contributed to McIlroy’s strategic choice:

* Tight Fairways: The course features notoriously narrow fairways, making accuracy off the tee paramount. A driver, while offering maximum distance, also carries a higher risk of finding trouble.

* Strategic Hazards: Water hazards and strategically placed bunkers penalize errant tee shots. avoiding these obstacles was a priority.

* Emphasis on Positioning: McIlroy prioritized positioning himself in the fairway, allowing for more controlled approach shots to the greens.This approach favored accuracy over brute force.

* Wind Conditions: Moderate wind conditions further supported the decision,as controlling a driver in the wind can be challenging.

This wasn’t about lacking confidence in his driver; it was a calculated risk assessment based on the specific demands of the course. It’s a testament to McIlroy’s understanding of his game and his ability to adapt to varying conditions.This is a prime example of smart golf versus power golf.

Analyzing mcilroy’s Alternate Approach: 3-Wood & iron Play

Without his driver, McIlroy leaned heavily on his 3-wood and remarkable iron play. Here’s a breakdown of how his game adapted:

* 3-Wood as the Primary Tee Weapon: The 3-wood provided a reliable alternative off the tee, offering sufficient distance while maintaining a higher degree of accuracy.

* Exceptional Iron Accuracy: McIlroy’s iron play was pinpoint, consistently finding the center of the fairways and giving him favorable approach angles.

* Wedge Game Precision: His short game was equally sharp, allowing him to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

* Strategic Club Selection: He demonstrated a keen understanding of distance control, selecting the right club for each shot to maximize his chances of success.

this shift in strategy showcased McIlroy’s versatility and his ability to score effectively even without relying on his signature power. He proved that precision golf can be just as rewarding as a power-based game.

Impact on Scoring & Potential for the Tournament

McIlroy’s 69 without a driver is a significant statement. It demonstrates that he isn’t solely reliant on power to compete at the highest level.

* Reduced Risk: By eliminating the driver, he minimized the risk of costly errors, leading to a more consistent round.

* Increased Confidence: Successfully navigating the course without his driver likely boosted his confidence, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the tournament.

* Strategic Advantage: His unconventional approach could potentially disrupt his competitors, forcing them to reconsider their own strategies.

* Potential for Lower Scores: If he continues to execute his game plan effectively, he has the potential to post even lower scores in subsequent rounds.

The decision to forego the driver isn’t just a one-round experiment; it’s a strategic adjustment that could define his performance throughout the entire India event. fans and analysts will be closely watching to see if he maintains this approach and how it impacts his overall chances of winning.

McIlroy’s Past Strategic Adjustments

This isn’t the first time McIlroy has demonstrated a willingness to adapt his game. In the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black, he strategically managed his game, prioritizing accuracy and minimizing risk, ultimately leading to a strong finish. Similarly, during the 2022 Masters Tournament, he adjusted his approach to the challenging Augusta National course, focusing on precise iron play and avoiding aggressive shots. These instances highlight a pattern of intelligent course management and a willingness to deviate from his typical power game when necessary.

benefits of a Driverless Round: Lessons for Amateurs

While replicating McIlroy’s feat is unlikely for most amateur golfers, there are valuable lessons to be learned:

* Prioritize Accuracy: focus on hitting fairways and avoiding hazards, even if it means sacrificing some distance.

* Master Your 3-wood: Develop confidence with your 3-wood as a reliable alternative off the tee.

* Improve Iron Play: Invest time in honing your iron accuracy and distance control.

* Course Management is Key: Analyze the course layout and develop a strategic plan before each round.

* Know Your Limitations: Understand your strengths and weaknesses and adjust your game accordingly.

This event serves as a reminder that golf isn’t always about hitting the ball the farthest; it’s about making smart decisions and executing your shots effectively.