Where is Rory McIlroy Playing Next
By: Kieran Clark | Edited: Thu 11 Sep 2025
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Scottie Scheffler is the player who sets an extraordinarily high standard these days, but Rory McIlroy is undeniably the biggest star from this current generation in the game.
He's the golfer that fans will tune in to see, and his name attached to a tournament will instantly draw attention and boost attendance numbers. It's both the approach in which he plays and the manner in which he carries himself that makes the Northern Irishman such a prominent figure.
Even those who wouldn't consider themselves fans of the five-time major champion and former world number one will still routinely notice his latest performances and comments, far more than they would for any other competitor in the sport at the moment.
Since his emotional and historic victory at the Masters in April 2025, which was a true sporting spectacle, the question surrounding McIlroy has been what he will target next in the months after finally accomplishing his lifelong goal.
Having come agonisingly close at Royal County Down 12 months before, McIlroy was back at the Irish Open last week, which he won in thrilling fashion after holing an eagle putt on the 18th at The K Club to tie Joakim Lagergren, who he ultimately overcame in a playoff.
When Rory McIlroy enters a tournament, it's a big deal, so let's take a look at where he's playing next.
BMW PGA Championship (11-14 September 2025)
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
Winner of the DP World Tour's flagship event back in 2014, McIlroy has come close several times since, finishing second in 2018, 2022, and most recently in 2024 when he lost a playoff to Billy Horschel.
Having relocated his primary address to the Wentworth Estate in the summer, this has now become a home fixture for the European Ryder Cup stalwart.
The Ryder Cup (26-28 September 2025)
Speaking of which, Rory McIlroy is naturally part of Luke Donald's side that will take on the United States in the fierce atmosphere of Bethpage Black.
Many will recall his youthful cynicism about this iconic event, but McIlroy has since become the most passionate of European team members, jubiliant when he's triumphant, crestfallen when he's not, this truly matters to him and he will be motivated to be Europe's leader on the course in New York.
DP World India Championship (16-19 October 2025)
Underlining his desire to be an international golfer, McIlroy will be competing in India for the first in his storied career in October.
Delhi Golf Club will stage what is set to be an intriguing addition to the DP World Tour calendar, and its biggest name is looking forward to it.
McIlroy said: "I’m excited to not only tee it up in India for the first time but also visit a country that I’ve always wanted to explore.
"I’m proud to play in the inaugural DP World India Championship. I’ve always enjoyed playing a global schedule and as I have previously said, there is tremendous potential to grow golf further in the country. This is a great opportunity, and I can’t wait to play in front of Indian golf fans."
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (6-9 November 2025)
November brings with it the DP World Tour's finale, which starts in Abu Dhabi, with McIlroy hoping to secure a fourth Race to Dubai title in succession.
He's yet to win this individual event during his career, but that could change later in the year.
DP World Tour Championship (13-16 November 2025)
All roads lead to Dubai and it's where the season will conclude. Marco Penge - who has enjoyed a wonderful season - is the nearest challenger to McIlroy at the summit of the DP World Tour, but it'll take some effort to deny the Northern Irishman a seventh Harry Vardon Trophy.
"Dubai has always been a special place for me,” said McIlroy. "Winning both the DP World Tour Championship and the Race to Dubai last year was an incredible way to finish the season. To equal Seve’s record made it even more special. I’ve played some great golf this year and I’m looking forward to finishing strong again in front of the fans at Jumeirah Golf Estates."
The Australian Open (4-7 December 2025)
The famed Melbourne Sandbelt is scheduled to host the Australian Open in 2025 and 2026 - and Rory McIlroy has signed up for both upcoming editions.
Legendary Royal Melbourne is the venue for this December's showpiece, with McIlroy having won this revered title back in 2013.
Speaking in a statement, McIlroy commented: "I'm proud to be committing to the Australian Open for the next two years, especially with it being played on the world-class Melbourne Sandbelt, somewhere I've always wanted to play professionally.
"The success of the Australian Open is important for the global game, and I'm incredibly confident it will thrive again this year, especially with it being staged in one of the world's great sporting cities and on two of the finest golf courses in the world over the next two years: The Royal Melbourne Golf Club and Kingston Heath Golf Club."
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About the author
Kieran Clark is the Digital Editor of Golfshake. He oversees editorial content, community engagement, forums, and social media channels. A lifelong golfer from the Isle of Bute in Scotland who has now lived in St Andrews for a decade, he began playing at the age of five and maintains a passion for exploring courses, with a particular affection for historic layouts. Kieran regularly contributes in-depth opinion pieces and features, drawing on his enthusiasm for the game and its culture.
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Tags: rory mcilroy PGA Tour european tour dp world tour
