Matt Fitzpatrick was among those who cast doubt on playing in a region still threatened by conflict. With the DP World Tour tipped to relocate, TG reached out to officials for more information…
The DP World Tour have no intention to move their season-ending playoff events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, despite Matt Fitzpatrick’s suggestion he “would not be comfortable” playing in them.
Fitzpatrick has admitted to reservations over participating in the Abu Dhabi Championship and DP World Tour Championship due to the war in the Middle East. The Englishman, the reigning champion of the season finale in Dubai, claimed it would be a “no-brainer” to instead end the campaign elsewhere.
Contingency plans have indeed been made, with Spain, Portugal and Turkey mooted as possible replacements. The Daily Mail has reported that the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, the former host for the Andalucia Masters, is a frontrunner if relocation is required.
But sources with knowledge of the situation have reiterated to TG that there is no serious consideration being made to move the tournaments to Europe, and alternative venues are only being tabbed so Wentworth HQ can prepare for any eventuality, including an escalation of the Middle East conflict.
“We are in constant dialogue with our members and their management teams about the tournaments they play in, but ultimately players’ individual schedule choices are a matter for them to decide,” a tour spokesperson said.
The $9 million Abu Dhabi Championship is due to take place at Yas Links from November 5 and the DP World Tour Championship is slated for the following week at the Earth course in Jumeriah Estates, with no expectation of a move. Buildouts for both courses have already begun.
“We clearly need to keep in touch with travel advisors and other people who help with us, but our plan is definitely to play the playoffs in the UAE,” DP World Tour chief Guy Kinnings told Sky Sports during the BMW PGA Championship.
Rory McIlroy is chasing a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title this season having clawed back his deficit on rival Patrick Reed at Wentworth.
“If the local governments feel like it’s safe to put on these events, they are not going to put their citizens or people visiting in harm’s way, I imagine,” McIlroy said.
“I love the Middle East. I have a lot of friends there, and I’m looking forward to going back for sure.”