Tommy Fleetwood explains reasons for playing Saudi event

“There’s no secret that a lot of people are getting paid handsomely to go. People get paid to play events throughout the year in many, many different places so that’s not a new concept at all, but you are getting paid well to go and play.

“The other thing is that when you look at the entry list and you know who’s going and who wants to play, it’s going to be one of the highest world ranking events in the world of golf and you don’t want to miss out on that.

• ‘Beef Johnston’ details mental health struggles

“That was my reasoning for wanting to go and play.”

The event has also attracted controversy because of Saudi Arabia’s record on human rights, with the country having faced allegations of ‘sportswashing’.

However, although Fleetwood said he understands the strength of opinion on the issue, he described it as “just another event”.

“I get it and that’s what makes the world go round – people’s thoughts and opinions and beliefs,” he said.

“You can’t expect people whose job it is to go out there make a living to bypass an event, because that’s their opportunity and their way of making a living on those tours.

• REVEALED: The toughest hole on tour in 2021

“I would never tell anybody not to have an opinion. I’m going there with 150 other players to go and do my best in that event.

“You’re getting paid to play which is a good thing for you and your family, and when you get there it’s just another event and everybody just gets on with it, does their own thing and then you’re in another event the next week.”