In a bold move that has golf enthusiasts buzzing, Rory McIlroy ditched his driver entirely at the DP World India Championship, opting for a more strategic approach on the tight, tree-lined fairways of Delhi Golf Club. But while McIlroy’s unconventional choice sparked debate, it was Shane Lowry who stole the show with a stunning 8-under 64, seizing a one-shot lead over Keita Nakajima. Here’s the part most people miss: Lowry’s flawless back nine, featuring five consecutive birdies and a clutch up-and-down on the 18th, wasn’t just luck—it was a masterclass in precision and poise. And this is where it gets controversial: Did McIlroy’s decision to leave his driver behind cost him valuable strokes, or was it a calculated risk on a course that demands accuracy over power? His 69, peppered with both birdies and bogeys, leaves room for interpretation. McIlroy himself quipped, ‘The driver was probably asleep in the locker,’ as he relied on his 3-wood and 5-wood to navigate the challenging layout. Yet, even this strategy faltered on the par-5 eighth, where a wayward tee shot led to a bogey—a moment that underscores the fine line between brilliance and blunder in golf. Lowry, fresh off a missed cut at the Spanish Open, seemed to find his rhythm in Delhi, crediting his iron play and putter for his success. ‘It’s not that hard when you’re out there,’ he said, ‘but when you start missing fairways, it becomes quite tricky.’ Playing alongside Ryder Cup teammates Tommy Fleetwood and Luke Donald, Lowry couldn’t help but reminisce about their triumphant performance at Bethpage Black, though he noted Delhi’s street-side distractions were ‘not as off-putting’ as the raucous New York crowd. Meanwhile, Nakajima’s own streak of five straight birdies highlights his determination to crack the top 10 on the European Tour and secure a PGA Tour card for 2026. Adding to the drama, Ryder Cup debutant Ben Griffin and Michael Kim, who overcame visa delays to compete, both opened with solid 68s. As McIlroy embarks on a grueling end-of-year schedule—including the Abu Dhabi Championship, DP World Tour Championship, and Australian Open—one can’t help but wonder: Will his driver stay in the locker, or will he reclaim it to dominate the fairways? What do you think? Is McIlroy’s driver-less strategy a stroke of genius or a risky gamble? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
