‘This is my job, I do it for money’
LEE CHASES SAUDI PAYDAY
LEE WESTWOOD has defended his decision to chase the Saudi cash after confirming yesterday he intends to join golf’s breakaway tour.
The former world No.1 has requested a release from both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour to join the lucrative rebel circus and tee it up in the inaugural event, the LIV Invitational, at St Albans next month.
It puts Westwood on collision course with the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) hierarchy, but it could net the 49-year-old millions in the autumn of his career.
“Some of my mates I grew up playing with in Worksop, if I went up to them and said I’ve been given an opportunity to play in a 48-man tournament for $25million, they would pull me to one side and say, ‘What is it you’re actually thinking about’?” said Westwood.
“This is my job. I do this for money. It’s not the only reason but if anybody comes along and gives any of us a chance at a pay rise, then you have to seriously consider it, don’t you?
“It’s not the first release I’ve asked for. I’ve not heard anything back yet. The ball is in the European Tour’s court and the PGA Tour’s court.”
Westwood’s stance puts him at loggerheads with Tour chief executive Keith
Pelley, who has threatened serious consequences for those who break ranks.
For Westwood, who shares the European record of 11 Ryder Cup appearances with Nick Faldo, it could mean he is overlooked for the captaincy. “That’s for somebody else to decide,” said Westwood. “Why should it? The European Tour have no problem with me being a PGA Tour member, so this is just another tour.
“I’ve supported the European Tour for 29 years. I’ve hosted events on this tour and played wherever I could through Covid and stuff like that.”
Westwood, who will play at the Betfred British Masters at The Belfry today, dismissed claims that he is embracing blood money given the Saudi human rights record.
“Saudi Arabian money is in all different sports, whether it be football or Formula One,” he said. “Saudi Arabia is trying to become more westernised and make changes quickly and that’s probably worrying people. But they are just trying to improve.
“I’m of a belief that sport and politics shouldn’t mix.” Defending British Masters champion Richard Bland has also asked for a release to play at Centurion Club. One of the criticisms of the rebel tour is that it is effectively a pension fund for ageing stars, but the Saudis are also offering one-year deals to the world’s top amateurs, including Alex Fitzpatrick, the brother of Ryder Cup player Matt.
If they accept and turn pro, they will pocket a minimum £800,000 for playing in this season’s eight tournaments and be granted playing rights on the Saudi-backed Asian Tour.