DP World India Championship: Nakajima Leads, McIlroy Four Shots Back

Japan’s Keita Nakajima grabbed the early lead after firing an impressive seven-under-par 65 in the opening round of the DP World India Championship at Delhi Golf Club.

Nakajima, who won last year’s Indian Open, carded eight birdies and one bogey to go two shots clear of Spain’s Jorge Campillo (-5).

A group of players, including Joost Luiten, Nacho Elvira, Ben Griffin, Marcel Schneider, Michael Kim, and Diksha Sheoran, sit tied at -4.

Rory McIlroy opened with a mixed three-under 69, four shots behind the leader. The Northern Irishman, playing his first event since Europe’s Ryder Cup victory, chose to leave his driver out of the bag, opting for a conservative approach on the tight Delhi course.

“You just have to get the ball in the fairway,” McIlroy said. “It’s a tricky course with tough pin positions — definitely played tougher than I expected.”

Viktor Hovland carded a 71 (-1), while Ben Griffin, McIlroy’s playing partner, finished at 68 (-4).

The first round continues with Luke Donald, Tommy Fleetwood, and Shane Lowry among the late starters.