(R) Rishi Narain with (L) Rory McIlroy during the DP World Tour India Championship Pro-Am.
By Rishi Narain, for India Golf Digest Newsletter
Yesterday, I lived every golfer’s dream.
Playing all 18 holes with Rory McIlroy — the Masters champion, World No. 2, and one of the most admired athletes in the game — at the DP World India Championship Pro-Am at Delhi Golf Club was nothing short of magical.
I’ve been fortunate to attend and organize countless golf events over the years, but this one will stay etched in my memory forever. It wasn’t just about seeing Rory’s brilliance up close — it was about discovering the man behind the legend.
A Surprise That Felt Like a Dream
When I received the invitation to play in the Pro-Am, I was thrilled, of course — it’s always special to be part of an international tournament week. But when I heard that I was in Rory McIlroy’s fourball, I was stunned. It was a genuine pinch-me moment.
My playing partners that day were two remarkable people — Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, and Avani Shah from Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, a guest of DP World. From the first tee, I could sense it was going to be a special day. Rory walked up relaxed, smiling, and instantly put everyone at ease. There was no air of celebrity about him — just a friendly, down-to-earth man who clearly loved being there.
For someone of his global stature, he didn’t need to be that gracious or approachable. Yet, throughout the round, he talked openly, laughed easily, and made sure everyone around him felt comfortable. That, I realized, is what makes Rory such an exceptional ambassador for the game.
Witnessing Greatness from a Few Feet Away
Right from his opening tee shot, Rory’s precision was something to behold. On Delhi Golf Club’s narrow, bush-lined fairways, there’s no margin for error — and Rory seemed to have the perfect plan. He didn’t touch his driver all day, relying instead on his four-iron (240 yards), two-iron (260), and even a three-iron (250) to place his shots with laser accuracy.
His caddy Harry had mapped out every hole — knowing exactly where he wanted to land each tee shot. Watching him execute that plan was a masterclass in course management. And when he did miss a green, his short game was pure artistry — delicate chips landing like feathers and stopping inside three feet, every single time.
He finally gave the crowd what they were waiting for on the 14th hole, a long par-5. At Dr. Munjal’s urging, he pulled out his driver “for show.” After hitting his two-iron 260 down the middle, he teed up a second ball — and launched it like a rocket. It carried at least 310 yards, arrow-straight. The crowd roared. It was one of those moments where you just shake your head and think, This is why he’s Rory McIlroy.
A Champion Who Connects With Everyone
If I had to describe Rory in one word, it would be generous. Not with money or trophies — with time, warmth, and attention. We had roughly 100 to 200 fans following us at any given point that day, and between every green and tee, Rory stopped to sign caps, take selfies, and chat with fans. By my estimate, he must have signed over 300 autographs during the round. Yet, he never rushed, never turned anyone away.
That kind of graciousness is rare at the very top of sport.
As we walked together, Rory chatted freely about everything — golf, travel, food, and even Indian golf’s future. He spoke about the 2025 Ryder Cup, praising how well Europe played and how unified the team felt. He said the course setup in Bethpage — soft greens, forgiving rough — made it a putting contest, and Europe simply out-putted the Americans on the first two days. He described the scene on Saturday evening, with European fans and players celebrating around the 18th green, as “a beautiful moment.”
When it came to being generous with us – his playing team, he showed his consideration for Ms Avani Shah , who was quite nervous being paired with the great man – encouraging her game and when she missed a couple of drives, he sought her out specially on the 7th tee and gave her the tip to stay in balance at the end of the swing and Avani could see instant improvement.
Mr Munjal turned to me and said “Now that is the sign of a really good pro – giving unsolicited helpful advice to an amateur player – that is really nice of Rory; not everyone does this” ; coming from someone who has played numerous pro-ams all over the world with every pro golfer on your wish list including several times with Tiger Woods and Rory, this was a good insight.
A Connection Through the Bonallack Trophy
On the first hole, I asked Rory if he remembered playing the Bonallack Trophy — the biennial amateur match between Europe and Asia-Pacific. His eyes lit up instantly. “New Zealand, 2006,” he said, “I was sixteen.”
That struck a personal chord for me. In 2023, I had been invited by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) to serve as Chief Selector and Non-Playing Captain of the Asia-Pacific team — and we beat Europe in Spain. In January 2025, the match was held again in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, and I was honored to lead the team once more — and we won again.
When I told Rory that, he grinned and said, “Well, the Europeans better get their act together if they’ve been beaten twice in a row!”
It was a light, friendly exchange, but it created a real connection between us — a shared piece of golf history.
Harry Diamond and the Bond That Defines Trust
Rory’s caddie, Harry Diamond, was another revelation. They’ve been friends since childhood, and that bond is clearly the bedrock of Rory’s composure. Harry is an accomplished player himself and, as Rory’s confidant, plays a huge role in his success.
Harry told us that at the Masters — where Rory finally won his long-awaited Green Jacket — there were at least five times on the final day when he thought Rory had “blown it.” Yet, he stayed calm, offered quiet support, and watched Rory make history.
The trust between them is unshakable. During our round, I noticed Rory never once asked Harry to read a putt. First time on the course, yet he’d look from one side, visualize the line, and roll it perfectly. I was standing behind him on several putts — it was uncanny. No wonder he’s the best putter in the world right now.
Sharing Fairways With India’s Greatest Golf Patron
It was also a privilege to share the round with Dr. Pawan Munjal, whose contribution to Indian golf is unparalleled. Under his leadership, Hero MotoCorp has supported the Hero Indian Open for 20 years, the Hero Women’s Indian Open for 15, the Hero World Challenge with Tiger Woods since 2014, and more recently, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
Thanks to Dr. Munjal, India is firmly on the global golf map. His passion for the game has not only brought international stars to India but also inspired a generation of young Indian golfers to dream bigger.
Talking Golf, India, and the Future
Rory was curious about the challenges we face in developing new courses in India — from complicated land laws to environmental restrictions. He compared it to Korea, where limited land availability has led to a rise in indoor simulators and urban driving ranges. “Maybe that’s the way forward for India,” he said thoughtfully.
He also knew a surprising amount about Indian players — Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal, Jyoti Randhawa — and even mentioned meeting Jeev at the British Senior Open this summer after a decade. Clearly, Rory pays attention to more than just his own tour. He’s a true student of the game.
Off the Course with Rory
Rory told us he was staying at the Oberoi and had found a great local physio there since his regular physio didn’t travel with him to India. He said he was loving the Indian food — carefully avoiding uncooked dishes — and joked that it was “hard to eat clean when everything tastes so good.”
At one point, we stood side by side for a photo, and I realized we’re the same height — about five-foot-eight. The difference? His power is on another planet. “That’s what gym work and discipline can do,” I told myself.
Respect for Delhi Golf Club
When senior DP World executives joined us mid-round, Rory praised the Delhi Golf Club conditions and setup. He noted that while it’s very different from Dubai’s Earth Course — which rewards big hitting — DGC demands accuracy and shot-shaping. “It’s got its own challenge, and that’s what makes it great,” he said.
He laughed as we walked off the final hole: “Next time I hit driver, it’ll probably be in Abu Dhabi in a few weeks!”
A Day I’ll Never Forget
As we finished the round and shook hands, I felt a quiet sense of awe. To spend a full day walking and talking with a champion at the peak of his career — and to find him so genuine, humble, and engaging — was something I’ll never forget.
My phone buzzed non-stop later that evening — messages from friends saying it must have been “like going to heaven.” Honestly, it was.
Playing with Rory McIlroy wasn’t just about golf. It was about witnessing greatness with grace. Seeing that the true mark of a champion isn’t only in the trophies they win, but in the respect they show to everyone they meet.
Rory reminded me that the best in the world can also be the best people in the game.
And that’s a lesson I’ll carry long after the last putt dropped.
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