McIlroy Says He Has No Reservations About Middle East Events

Rory McIlroy said he has no concerns about traveling to the Middle East for the DP World Tour's season-ending events, opening his BMW PGA Championship title bid with a 69 at Wentworth on Thursday.

Why are Middle East concerns being raised on the DP World Tour?

The DP World Tour's last two events of the season are the Abu Dhabi Championship and the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. Matt Fitzpatrick had raised concerns about traveling to the region given its proximity to the Iran war. Asked about those concerns after his opening round, McIlroy said, "Not for me," adding that he trusts local governments to decide whether the events are safe to hold. Open champion Ryan Fox said he shares some reservations but is deferring to the tour's judgment for now.

Where does McIlroy stand in the Race to Dubai?

McIlroy is chasing a record-equaling eighth Race to Dubai title but trails Patrick Reed, who extended his lead atop the standings with a runner-up finish behind Shane Lowry at the Amgen Irish Open while McIlroy slipped to 41st that week.

McIlroy pointed to a 60 in the BMW PGA Championship pro-am on Wednesday as a sign his form is coming together, before an opening round in which he reached five under through 10 holes before two late bogeys left him a few shots off his best pace.

McIlroy's trust in local authorities puts him at odds with tour peers who remain wary of playing so close to an active war.