Rory McIlroy will not be playing in the second edition of the Saudi International Open after turning down a second appearance offer – this time a reported $2.5 million.
Sources close to the World No 2 have hinted that no amount would get the four-time Major winner to join the strong field … not even his biggest ever appearance fee.
The news follows the announcement that Phil Mickelson will join the likes of defending champion Dustin Johnson, world No 1 Brooks Koepka, Shane Lowry, Patrick Reed and Henrik Stenson.
Mickelson said: ‘After turning down opportunities to go to the Middle East for many years, I’m excited to play and see a place in the world I’ve never been. I understand those who are upset or disappointed. You’ll be OK.
‘I’m excited to experience this for the first time … I have enjoyed my previous visits to the Middle East and am looking forward to playing in a new country and doing my bit to grow the game in the kingdom.’
The veteran American was reportedly only approached after McIlroy snubbed the invite while media reports also suggest Tiger Woods passed on $3.5 million to play in the event.
Last year’s event was covered in controversy as some of the best players in the world visited a country with a more than questionable human rights record. The tournament was given even a more notorious place on the golf calendar after the 2018 murder of US-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Sergio Garcia is expected to return for the second playing of the Saudi Open. He was disqualified last year after purposely damaging multiple greens.
