Rory McIlroy has adopted a new style and strategy as he competes in this week’s Indian Open in Delhi, aiming to make a significant impact in the Race to Dubai standings. The Northern Irish golfer has opted to wear baggy, flared trousers—mirroring a recent change by his Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood—citing the comfort and improved airflow the looser fit provides in hot and humid conditions. McIlroy, a four-time major champion, appeared in the distinctive pants during the pro-am event leading into the tournament and confirmed that this look will remain for the duration of the week.

“I’ve admired Tommy’s style for a while now, and I thought I need to try it too,” McIlroy said. “I tend to wear stuff like this most of the time at home, as flares are the current style. But it does feel a bit odd wearing them on the course.” Fleetwood, the defending champion and two years McIlroy’s junior, greeted the sartorial shift with a smile and good humor, acknowledging McIlroy’s surprise endorsement of his wardrobe choice. “It’s all very well him calling me a style guru. I’d swap that title for Rory’s career!” Fleetwood commented.

In addition to the clothing change, McIlroy has also altered his club selection for the event. Recognizing the challenges presented by the narrow, tree-lined layout of the Delhi course, which measures just under 7,000 yards, he has left his driver and three-wood behind, a departure from his usual setup. “This course is a fair bit shorter than the ones we normally play, and it is so tight that there is no advantage in hitting a driver really,” he explained. Known for being one of the best drivers in the modern game, McIlroy clearly sees this adjustment as a tactical move tailored to the course’s constraints.

Last year, McIlroy finished in a tie for 26th place behind Fleetwood, but this week he is seeking to improve significantly as he targets an eighth Race to Dubai title, a record currently held by Colin Montgomerie. Presently third in the standings, McIlroy trails leader Patrick Reed and emerging Spanish talent Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra.

“I need a really good week to cut into Patrick’s lead, and set myself up for the final two events,” McIlroy said. “Once the Majors were over, equalling Monty’s record of eight titles was the big target.”

The Indian Open will offer McIlroy a key opportunity to narrow the gap and potentially cement his place alongside the Race to Dubai’s most successful players as the season nears its conclusion.