‘Wants his $10 million’: Kevin Kisner rips Rory McIlroy for ‘grow the game’ contradiction in India: news

Kevin Kisner Calls Out Rory McIlroy Over Alleged $10M Appearance Fee and ‘Grow the Game’ Remarks in India

PGA Tour veteran Kevin Kisner has publicly criticized Rory McIlroy, calling into question the Northern Irishman’s stated motives for competing at the DP World India Championship in New Delhi. Kisner argued that McIlroy’s participation is driven primarily by a massive financial payout rather than an altruistic ambition to “grow the game” internationally.

Kisner’s Comments on the Fore Play Podcast

Speaking during an appearance on Barstool’s Fore Play podcast, Kisner challenged McIlroy’s narrative regarding global golf expansion.

• The Financial Incentive: Kisner claimed that top professionals were enticed by lucrative appearance money, stating: “He doesn’t want to globally expand in India, he wants to get his $10 million bucks and go play in India.”

  Irish Mirror

• The “Altruism Script”: Kisner labeled public claims of traveling purely to expand the sport as disingenuous, adding: “That is such a dog-s comment, but I guess for the right price, we could all say that comment… They always seem to say the right things while they’re over there. As part of your appearance fee, here’s your script for altruism.”*

  Irish Mirror

• Course Fit and Strategy: Kisner highlighted that the venueDelhi Golf Clubforces long hitters to keep their driver in the bag due to its tight, tree-lined layout. “And Rory’s not even hitting a driver this week. You think he wants to go play a tournament where he can’t use his number one weapon? So give me a break,” Kisner noted.

  Irish Mirror

The Context Behind McIlroy’s Trip to Delhi

McIlroy, a four-time major champion and long-time proponent of a unified, global golf schedule, has spoken frequently about bringing premier golf to international markets, including Asia. During his appearances at Delhi Golf Club, McIlroy praised the local reception and reiterated his commitment to expanding the sport’s worldwide footprint.

While appearance fees are standard practice for international DP World Tour events seeking to attract top-ranked marquee names, tournament officials have not publicly confirmed any specific figures or contract terms regarding McIlroy’s appearance fee for the event. Kisner acknowledged that accepting lucrative guarantees is standard business across professional golf, but he maintained that wrapping commercial decisions in the rhetoric of growing the game invites skepticism.