Matt Fitzpatrick expresses discomfort about traveling to Middle East for DP World Tour finale

<p>The DP World Tour's plans to hold the final two events of the season in the Middle East in November face uncertainty due to ongoing conflicts in the region. Matt Fitzpatrick, the defending champion of the season finale, shared his opinion on the tour's decision regarding the events in the Middle East.</p><p>"Being completely honest as things stand right now, I would say I’m not that comfortable," the 2022 U.S. Open champion stated to the media ahead of the BMW PGA Championship in England. "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 a bit more."</p><p>The annual Race to Dubai is scheduled to conclude with a two-event playoff system, starting with the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi on November 5, followed by the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai the following week.</p><p>When asked if he believed his perspective would be considered by the decision-makers at the tour, Fitzpatrick replied, "No, I don’t think so. Not me personally. It’s not for me to make these decisions. I’m not paid to do that. I just don’t feel like my opinion would hold that much weight. I know I’ve been asked for my opinion, but I don’t necessarily think it’s like a heavy weight."</p><p>He noted that he spoke to some players who expressed discomfort about the situation, while others felt it was acceptable. "I guess we’ll see," he added.</p><p>Fitzpatrick mentioned that his agent was informed a decision regarding the location of the playoff events would be made by the DP World Tour by June. However, as of mid-September, it remains unclear if the final two events will be relocated.</p><p>This uncertainty complicates preparation and planning for players, but the DP World Tour holds leverage due to the significant purses for both events, which are $9 million and $10 million, respectively. The Race to Dubai Champion also receives a $2 million bonus.</p><p>Fitzpatrick, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, won the 2025 DP World Tour Championship by defeating Rory McIlroy in a playoff.</p>