McIlroy finished 17 shots behind winner Eugenio Chacarra, putting even more pressure on his bid for an eighth Race to Dubai title

After finishing up in 42nd place in Delhi Golf Club, Rory McIlroy has addressed comments made by Kevin Kisner over his motives surrounding the tournament.

Former PGA Tour player Kisner questioned McIlroy's real goal for the trip, arguing against McIlroy's desire to be a global golfer and suggesting that he only played due to the high appearance fee.

Kisner argued that McIlroy has only played in India twice and cannot use his driver on their course, so had to reason to play - other than money.

"He doesn’t want to globally expand (golf) in India, he wants to get his $10 million bucks and go play in India," Said Kisner.

“I know there’s a pile of guys that got paid for that event. How else would you get that event in India with eight billion people in the middle of the city?”

McIlroy has dismissed the criticism, stating that financial compensation is not a factor in his efforts to help the sport grow.

He has long stated that professional golf needs to expand outside of its traditional market, and that India is a worthy investment thanks to its population and interest in sport.

"Two things can be true at the same time," McIlroy responded.

"People can get paid to come and play at a tournament, but at the same time, do it from a place of a genuine interest of trying to bring the sport to another country, a developing country, a country where the middle class in India is larger than the whole population of the United States. It’s a huge market for golf.”

McIlroy finished 17 shots behind winner Eugenio Chacarra, putting even more pressure on his bid for an eighth Race to Dubai title.

He currently sits third behind Chacarra and Patrick Reed. He has also elected to sit out this week's Genesis championship.

He acknowledged his sub-par performance and mentioned that his recovery is key heading into the last outings of the year.

McIlroy now takes a two-week break before returning to the fold at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship at Yas Links Golf Club from the fifth to the eight of November.