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Rory McIlroy breaks new ground by competing in India this week as he makes his comeback to competition for the first time since the Ryder Cup.

As the Northern Irishman widens his competitive experience, the European golf circuit enters the final phase of this year's Race to Dubai. McIlroy is in the leading spot to secure the season-long title for the fourth consecutive year and seventh time overall.

There are only three additional tournaments after the Indian event; the following week's Genesis tournament in Korean venue - which wraps up the 'Back Nine' phase of the tour calendar - and then the last two competitions in the Arabian region.

These big money playoff tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are reserved for the top 70 and then top 50 in the standings.

However for players such as Fleetwood and Lowry, who are also in this week's field in the subcontinent, there is reduced stress than one would expect.

Comfortably below the seventieth position, at initial inspection it would appear both need strong performances from their visit to the Indian course to extend their seasons. Yet, actually, they are guaranteed in advance of their positions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

This results from a rarely discussed but pragmatic exception whereby members of the European squad are also considered qualified for next month's closing tournaments.

The English golfer, who won the American playoff series with his stirring win at the season-ending event in Georgia, lies 94th in the European tour's season-long table. Lowry, who sank the winning stroke that retained the team trophy, is one hundred fifty-fifth.

Other squad members who can also qualify are Ludvig Aberg (seventy-second) and Sepp Straka (147th).

This might question the integrity of a playoff structure, which by nature is supposed to bring cut-throat competitive jeopardy, but this scenario also illustrates practical considerations faced by the headquartered DP World Tour.

They are dependent on big backers such as DP World, who are also the title sponsors of this current tournament in India. The tour requires the top players at their biggest events to justify the financial commitment, which amounts to substantial funding.

Fleetwood has experienced one of his best seasons, capped by his maiden victory on American soil at the Atlanta course just under two months ago.

He is one of European golf's elite players and, honestly, it would be inconceivable to stage the upcoming season climax without him.

Practical considerations overrides competitive integrity, even though the top-ranked player - a local resident - has saved his strongest showings for tournaments that do not qualify on his domestic circuit.

Fleetwood has so far played only four European tournaments and been unable to place in the top 20 at any tournament; the Dubai Desert Classic, Scottish Open, flagship event or Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The majors also contribute on the season standings and his share of 16th at the British Open was his sole high finish in the major events. However on the American-based circuit he enjoyed seven placements in the top five.

Fleetwood was also the team's highest contributor at the New York course last month. It seems absurd for him not to be participating with the tour's leading stars at the end of the campaign.

While in the previous era the PGA and European tours were deadly rivals they are now closely connected thanks to the strategic alliance that supports European tour prize funds.

While the English golfer, recent champion of the Open De Espana, has positioned himself in close pursuit as his nearest challenger at the top of the season championship, much of the attention for the remaining schedule will have an American bias.

The storyline will be driven by the competition for ten spots on the PGA Tour for those who do not currently possess playing rights in the United States. The rising star, with three European victories, is guaranteed of what is widely regarded as advancement to the US circuit.

The Clitheroe-based pro, who also secured invitations to the Masters and British Open with his Madrid victory, is not in the India field but will mount a last effort to try to overtake McIlroy at the peak of the rankings.

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

Yorkshireman Parry and the Bath duo of Smith and Laurie Canter also currently occupy positions that would provide a valuable opportunity for next year.

Some observers see this scenario as evidence that the European circuit is now essentially a feeder for big brother on the American continent.

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

Undoubtedly this is the time of the year where the practical aspects and compromises of elite golf competition seem at their most evident.