However, Rory McIlroy has no such concerns and will compete alongside fellow Race to Dubai contenders Eugenio Chacarra and Patrick Reed, as well as Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Adam Scott. McIlroy said last month: "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."

The 70-strong entry list for the playoff opener was revealed yesterday, with a number of eligible competitors opting against making the journey. Open winner Ryan Fox sits sixth in the Race to Dubai standings and had an outside chance of securing the season-long title, but the New Zealander will be missing.

Matt Fitzpatrick sits 10th in the standings, but he has recently become a father and expressed doubts last month about competing in the region. His brother, Alex, has also turned down the opportunity to participate.

Lowry, Rose, Min Woo Lee, Ludvig Aberg, Bob MacIntyre, Si Woo Kim and Ryan Gerard had also earned top-70 places but will not take part in the playoffs. It remains unclear whether safety fears or scheduling issues have led players to withdraw.

He said at the time: "Being completely honest as things stand right now, I would say I'm not that comfortable. No, I wouldn't be that comfortable.

"A few things have obviously changed for me, perspective and stuff. I've had a child in August, and that obviously kind of changes things, I guess, a bit more.

"Right now, it would feel a little bit weird, given what I'm reading elsewhere. Things can change overnight, I'm sure. I think it seems to be going down that path of things getting better.

"I think if the Tour does go, I'm sure they have had the best advice possible on what that looks like. As things stand right now, I wouldn't necessarily be too keen on going."