McIlroy Says He Feels No Risk Playing in Abu Dhabi Amid Regional Tensions

Rory McIlroy has addressed the question hanging over this week's golf calendar head-on. Speaking on Wednesday, a day before the Abu Dhabi Championship begins, the Northern Irishman said he does not feel at risk competing in the United Arab Emirates despite heightened tensions in the wider Middle East. "I don't think I would ever feel unsafe," McIlroy said, adding that even if he did sense risk, he felt the reward was worth it. The DP World Tour has kept its back-to-back season-ending events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on schedule, even as other sports in the region have postponed, moved or cancelled competitions, and McIlroy said he has stayed in contact with the tour about security. The golf stakes are high. McIlroy sits third in the Race to Dubai standings, around 1,000 points behind Eugenio Chacarra and 330 behind Patrick Reed, and he is chasing a record-tying eighth season-long title to match Colin Montgomerie. The three leaders are grouped together for the first two rounds at Yas Links. McIlroy acknowledged that an airspace closure could leave players stranded, but his message was clear: he is here to play, and he is here to win.