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The Northern Irish golfer ventures into new territory by playing in the Indian tournament this week as he makes his comeback to action for the initial occasion since the prestigious team event.

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 pole position to claim the annual championship for the fourth season running and seventh time overall.

There are only three additional tournaments following the Indian event; the subsequent week's Genesis Championship in South Korea - which concludes the second half of the schedule - and then the final two tournaments in the Middle East.

These particular high-stakes playoff tournaments in the UAE capital and the emirate are exclusively available for the leading seventy and then top 50 in the season rankings.

But for the likes of Fleetwood and Lowry, who are also in this week's field in India, there is less pressure than you might imagine.

Sitting outside the top 70, at initial inspection it would seem both need high finishes from their visit to the Indian course to extend their seasons. Yet, in fact, they are already assured of their places in the UAE and Dubai.

This is due to a little publicised but pragmatic loophole whereby members of Europe's Ryder Cup team are also deemed eligible for the upcoming closing tournaments.

Fleetwood, who triumphed in the American playoff series with his impressive victory at August's Tour Championship in Georgia, sits 94th in the European tour's season-long table. The Irish champion, who sank the putt that retained the Ryder Cup, is one hundred fifty-fifth.

Other European team-mates who can potentially benefit are Aberg (72nd) and Straka (one hundred forty-seventh).

This could question the fairness of a play-off system, which by definition is supposed to bring cut-throat competitive jeopardy, but this situation also illustrates realities faced by the Wentworth-based DP World Tour.

The tour is reliant on major sponsors such as DP World, who are also the title sponsors of this week's event in the Asian nation. They need the top players at their premier tournaments to justify the investment, which amounts to substantial funding.

The talented golfer has enjoyed one of his most successful campaigns, capped by his maiden victory on American soil at the Atlanta course just under eight weeks past.

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

Practical considerations trumps competitive integrity, even though the top-ranked player - a Dubai resident - has reserved his best performances for tournaments that do not count on his home tour.

The Englishman has to date played only four European tournaments and been unable to finish in the top 20 at any tournament; the Dubai Desert Classic, UK tournament, flagship event or pro-am competition.

The majors also contribute on the season standings and his share of 16th at the British Open was his sole high finish in the big four tournaments. But on the American-based circuit he achieved seven top-five finishes.

The European star was also the team's highest contributor at Bethpage last month. It seems absurd for him not to be taking his place alongside the circuit's top performers at the conclusion of the campaign.

While in the previous era the American and European circuits were fierce competitors they are now inextricably linked thanks to the strategic alliance that underpins European tour prize funds.

While the English golfer, last week's winner of the Spanish Open, has positioned himself in close pursuit as his closest rival at the top of the Race to Dubai, much of the attention for the rest of the season will have an US focus.

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

The Clitheroe-based pro, who also guaranteed invites to the Masters and Open with his Madrid victory, is not in the tournament lineup but will mount a final push to try to overhaul the leader at the top of the rankings.

Meanwhile the English competitor, the player Penge beat in the Spanish playoff, is one of several British golfers in the midst of the battle for a future US tour card.

Northern golfer Parry and the Bath duo of Smith and Laurie Canter also currently occupy spots that would yield a golden ticket for the coming season.

Some observers view this scenario as proof that the European circuit is now nothing more than a development tour for the larger circuit on the other side of the pond.

However the DP World Tour maintain it is a vital mechanism that underpins their tour calendar, a essential and attractive feature that optimizes competitive chances for its participants.

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