Shane Lowry among those to pull out of huge DP World Tour event due to safety concerns

A pity....

But due to safety concerns, a number of top players have decided to miss the opening event.

Earlier this year, Iran launched strikes on key infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, before tensions eased.

However, there are growing concerns over further conflict, due to recent attacks on Saudi Arabia by the Houthi paramilitary group.

Among those to have pulled out are Shane Lowry,  Matt Fitzpatrick, Robert MacIntyre, Justin Rose and Open Champion Ryan Fox.

Currently sitting sixth in the Race to Dubai, Fox also has an outside chance at taking home the overall DP World Tour title.

Rory McIlroy, who lies in third, has remained firm in his stance that he will be playing.

He said: "Not for me. If the local governments feel like it's safe to put on these events, they are not going to put their citizens or people visiting in harm's way, I imagine. I love the Middle East. I have a lot of friends there, and I'm looking forward to going back for sure."