Matt Fitzpatrick shares why he feels uncomfortable about traveling to Middle East for DP World Tour finale
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 and around the region. Matt Fitzpatrick, the season finale’s defending champion, did not hesitate to share his opinion on what the tour should, or in this case, should not, do regarding teeing it up in the Middle East in the coming weeks.
“Being completely honest as things stand right now, I would say I’m not that comfortable,” the 2022 U.S. Open champion told the media ahead of this week’s 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.”
The annual Race to Dubai is scheduled to conclude with a two-event playoff system, with the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi beginning November 5, followed by the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai taking place the next week.
Matt Fitzpatrick of England speaks to the media during a press conference prior to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club on September 16, 2026 in Virginia Water, England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
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While Fitzpatrick’s initial admission was certainly honest, he became even more candid when asked if he believed his perspective would be heard by the decision-makers at the tour.
“No, I don’t think so. Not me personally,” Fitzpatrick began. “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 on my opinion, but I don’t necessarily think it’s like a heavy weight.
“I spoke to a couple of the guys and some of them have said they are uncomfortable. Some have said it’s fine. I guess we’ll see.”
Matt Fitzpatrick of England plays his shot from the fourth tee during the third round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on Aug. 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)
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Fitzpatrick also went on to explain that his agent was told that a decision about where the playoff events would be held would be made by the DP World Tour by June. Now, in mid-September, it’s still not clear if the final two events on the calendar could be moved.
Matt Fitzpatrick of the England walks onto East Lake Golf Course before the third round of the TOUR Championship 2026 at East Lake Golf Club on Aug. 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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This makes preparation and planning for players extremely difficult, but the DP World Tour undoubtedly holds the leverage, knowing that the purses for both events are $9 million and $10 million, respectively. The Race to Dubai Champion also receives a $2 million bonus.
Fitzpatrick, the No. 3 player in the world, defeated Rory McIlroy in a playoff to win the 2025 DP World Tour Championship.
