Major golf winners worried about playing in Middle East as Iran conflict rages
Major golf winners worried about playing in Middle East as Iran conflict rages
Kylee Hansen Thu, September 17, 2026 at 2:26 PM UTC
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Matt Fitzpatrick isn't in favor of attending the DP World Tour playoff events (Image: Getty Images)
Matt Fitzpatrick has revealed he wouldn't feel at ease competing in the DP World Tour Playoffs if they're staged in the Middle East, citing ongoing safety concerns stemming from the Iran conflict.
The playoffs are scheduled to occur in the United Arab Emirates at two locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and major winners - including Matt Fitzpatrick and Ryan Fox, who won this year's Open Championship - have expressed reservations about the season finale's venue.
"Being completely honest, as things stand right now, I would say I'm not that comfortable. No, I wouldn't be that comfortable," Fitzpatrick said at Wentworth ahead of this week's BMW PGA Championship. It comes after Dave Portnoy weighed in on Robert Kraft's decision to ban Macklemore from Gillette Stadium.
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The United States-Israel war with Iran is entering a highly volatile new phase as the conflict nears the six-month milestone, marked by a rapidly intensifying regional shadow war, enormous financial burdens, and increasing tensions in the global energy market.
"A few things have obviously changed for me, perspective and stuff. I've had a child in August, and that obviously kind of changes things, I guess, a bit more," continued former U.S. Open champion Fitzpatrick.
Ryan Fox also has reservations about playing in the Middle East (Image: Getty Images)
"I think just in the case of what you read on news, I know the news, where you get your news isn't always - can be very one-sided, particularly in the U.S., but I think for me, as things right now, it would feel a little bit weird, given what I'm reading elsewhere.
"Things can change overnight, I'm sure. I think it seems to be going down that path of things are getting better. I've sort of looked on the U.K. website; I know they changed from essential travel only to one step better than that."
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Fitzpatrick isn't alone in his uncertainty about competing there, as New Zealander and Open champion Ryan Fox acknowledged that he understands why some players have reservations about attending the playoffs.
"Obviously, there are some concerns," Fox stated at the BMW PGA Championship. "I'm obviously of the opinion that the Tour is doing their due diligence. If they feel like it's safe for us to go, I'm willing to support that.
"But I can understand, also, why guys have some reservations. I'll keep monitoring it. If I feel like it's not the right decision, I might not go, but at this point I trust the Tour's decision in that regard."
Fitzpatrick recognizes that the DP World Tour is closely monitoring the circumstances, and he's confident the matter will be resolved in the near future.
"Obviously, I know the Tour has been on this for a long time. It's obviously frustrating that the decision hasn't been made so you can plan what's going on," said Fitzpatrick.
"But I understand there's obviously a lot of moving parts to that, and it's obviously difficult to make these decisions.
"I think if the tour do go, I'm sure they have had the best advice possible on what that looks like."
Meanwhile, Brian Rolapp takes a firm stance on LIV Golf stars seeking a PGA Tour return in the new format.
Source: “AOL Sports”
