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The Northern Irish golfer ventures into new territory by competing in India this week as he returns to action for the first time since the Ryder Cup.

As the Northern Irishman expands his competitive experience, the DP World Tour enters 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 consecutive year and seventh time overall.

This includes only three more events following the Indian event; the following week's Genesis Championship in South Korea - which wraps up the 'Back Nine' phase of the tour calendar - and then the last two competitions in the Middle East.

These particular high-stakes 'play-off' events in the UAE capital and the emirate are reserved for the leading seventy and then leading fifty in the season rankings.

But for the likes of Tommy Fleetwood and Lowry, who are also in this tournament lineup in India, there is reduced stress than you might imagine.

Sitting outside the seventieth position, at first glance it would appear both need high finishes from their trip to the Indian course to extend their seasons. Yet, in fact, they are guaranteed in advance of their positions in the UAE and Dubai.

This is due to a rarely discussed but practical loophole whereby participants of the European squad are also deemed qualified for the upcoming closing tournaments.

The English golfer, who triumphed in the PGA Tour's play-offs with his impressive victory at August's Tour Championship in Georgia, sits ninety-fourth in the continental circuit's annual rankings. Lowry, who sank the winning stroke that secured the team trophy, is one hundred fifty-fifth.

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

This might question the integrity of a playoff structure, which by definition is supposed to bring intense high-stakes drama, but this scenario also demonstrates realities faced by the Wentworth-based European circuit.

They are reliant on big backers such as the title partner, who are also the naming sponsors of this week's event in India. They need the biggest stars at their premier tournaments to justify the investment, which amounts to substantial funding.

Fleetwood has enjoyed one of his best seasons, highlighted by his first win on American soil at East Lake just under eight weeks past.

Fleetwood represents one of the continent's elite players and, honestly, it would be inconceivable to host the upcoming season climax without him.

Common sense overrides pure competition, even though the world number five - a Dubai resident - has saved his best performances for events that do not count on his home tour.

Fleetwood has to date played only four DP World Tour events and been unable to finish in the top 20 at any tournament; the Middle Eastern event, Scottish Open, BMW PGA Championship or Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The majors also count on the Race to Dubai and his share of 16th at the Open was his only top 20 in the major events. However on the US tour he achieved seven placements in the top five.

The European star was also the team's highest contributor at Bethpage last month. It seems ridiculous for him not to be participating alongside the circuit's top performers at the end of the season.

While in the past the PGA and European tours were fierce competitors they are now inextricably linked thanks to the strategic alliance that underpins DP World Tour prize funds.

While the English golfer, recent champion of the Open De Espana, has positioned himself in McIlroy's wing mirrors as his closest rival at the summit of the Race to Dubai, much of the interest for the rest of the season will have an US focus.

The storyline will be driven by the scramble for 10 places on the American circuit for those who do not currently possess tour cards in the US. The rising star, with three DPWT wins, is assured of what is widely regarded as 'promotion' to the US circuit.

The Lancashire golfer, who also secured invites to the Augusta National and Open with his Madrid victory, is not in the India field but will mount a last effort to try to overtake the leader at the top of the rankings.

Meanwhile Dan Brown, the man the champion defeated in the Madrid play-off, is one of several British golfers in the thick of the competition for a 2026 PGA card.

Yorkshireman John Parry and the Bath duo of Jordan Smith and Canter also currently occupy positions that would yield a golden ticket for the coming season.

Certain analysts view this development as evidence that the DP World Tour is now nothing more than a feeder for the larger circuit on the American continent.

But the DP World Tour argue it is a vital mechanism that supports their tour calendar, a necessary and attractive element that optimizes playing opportunities for its members.

Undoubtedly this is the season period where the practical aspects and compromises of men's professional golf seem at their most evident.