Rory McIlroy played at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore amid rumors of a TaylorMade takeover and the 2027 return of the Singapore Open to the DP World Tour

Although no DP World Tour event was taking place, Rory McIlroy was seen playing golf at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore. And with an influencer, no less.

The two-time Masters champion has been open about aiming for a better work/life balance as his career goes on, yet the 37-year-old was found in Singapore following his appearance in New Delhi and ahead of the upcoming DP World Tour playoffs. The career grand slam winner was documented and followed by popular golf and lifestyle influencer Becca De Foe.

During his trip, McIlroy also took part in and promoted the Paiza Golf Simulator Challenge, an event organized by Marina Bay Sands. It left many questioning why exactly he was there.

It's possible McIlroy's visit was connected to a potential sale involving TaylorMade, though the planned return of the Singapore Open to the DP World Tour schedule in 2027 adds another intriguing element.

Because TaylorMade has long served as McIlroy’s primary equipment sponsor, the timing of his visit has raised notable interest. Reports indicate that The Sylvan Group, a private equity firm based in Singapore, is considering a bid to acquire the equipment brand with support from Reignwood Group.

Reignwood Group, a Chinese company, owns Surrey's Wentworth, which is the headquarters of the DP World Tour and host of the BMW PGA Championship. Adding to the rumors, McIlroy recently bought a home at Wentworth, where he resides with his wife, Erica, and daughter, Poppy.

However, there is no confirmation that these acquisition discussions influenced McIlroy's trip, leaving any link entirely speculative.

The DP World Tour also confirmed that the Singapore Open will return to its calendar in 2027, as Sentosa Golf Club will host the event and Deutsche Bank acting as title sponsor.

At his BMW PGA Championship press conference last month, the 37-year-old unintentionally revealed that the DP World Tour schedule for 2027 will once again include both the Singapore Open and the Hong Kong Open.

Sentosa Golf Club is a familiar location for the tournament, having hosted the tournament 15 times between 2005 and 2026.

Co-sanctioned by both the DP World Tour and the Asian Tour, the 2027 Deutsche Bank Singapore Open represents a major milestone for professional golf in the region.

This event was last included on the European Tour schedule back in 2012, an edition in which McIlroy himself competed at Sentosa Island.

McIlroy has also become a global ambassador for the DP World Tour in recent days.