Rory McIlroy admits ‘morality’ behind snubbing £1.9m offer to play in Saudi Arabia

McIlroy and Tiger Woods have rejected offers, while Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson will tee it up at the European Tour event

Rory McIlroy has knocked back the opportunity to play an event in Saudi Arabia despite the offer of an enormous appearance fee.

The Irishman will not take part in the European Tour event, which will include Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson.

The Americans have come under criticism for accepting offers, with Amnesty International describing the Saudi regime’s human rights records as “heinous”.

Tiger Woods also declined the reported £1.9 million ($2.5m) appearance fee on the table, but McIlroy discussed the reasons behind his decision, including “morality”.

“100 per cent, there’s a morality to it as well,” McIlroy said about the event, which will take place from 30 January to 2 February.

“You could say that about so many countries, not just Saudi Arabia, but a lot of countries that we play in that there’s a reason not to go, but for me, I just don’t want to go.”

McIlroy admitted he was fine with Anthony Joshua’s decision to fight Andy Ruiz in Saudi Arabia last weekend, adding: ”I had no problem watching that and cheering on AJ.

“But it’s just not something that would excite me [to play in Saudi Arabia].

“I think the atmosphere looks better at the events on the west coast [of America] and I’d much rather play in front of big golf fans and play in a tournament that really excites me.”