LOVELEE LOLLY
Westwood defends his decision to chase huge money on rebel Saudi tour
LEE WESTWOOD defended his decision to chase the Saudi cash after confirming he intends to join golf’s breakaway tour.
The former world No.1 has requested a release from both the PGA Tour and Europe’s DP World Tour to join the lucrative rebel circus and tee it up in the inaugural event at St Albans next month.
It is a move which puts Westwood on a collision course with Tour chiefs but one that 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 probably 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 for doing it, 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 asked for many. I’ve not heard anything back. The ball is in the European Tour’s court and the PGA Tour’s court for that matter.”
Westwood’s stance puts him at odds with Tour chief Keith Pelley who has demanded loyalty and threatened serious consequences for those breaking ranks.
For Westwood, who shares the European record of 11
Ryder Cup appearances with Nick Faldo, that could mean being overlooked for the captaincy.
Westwood, who tees it up in the Betfred British Masters at The Belfry today added: “That’s for somebody else to decide. Why should it?
“The European Tour have no problem with me being a PGA Tour member, so this is just another tour.”
He also dismissed claims he would be taking 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.
“I think Saudi Arabia is trying to become more westernised and trying to make changes quickly and that’s probably worrying a lot of people. I’m of a belief that sport and politics shouldn’t mix.”
Defending champion Richard Bland (right), 49, also confirmed yesterday he has asked for a release to play at the Centurion Club.
One of the criticisms of the rebel tour is that it is a preseniors tour for ageing stars.
But the Saudis are also attempting to snare the next generation with one-year deals offered to the world’s top amateurs including Alex Fitzpatrick, brother of Ryder Cup star, Matt.
If they accept and turn pro they will pocket a minimum £800,000 for playing in this season’s eight events and be granted playing rights on the Saudi-backed Asian Tour.