Lee Westwood has defended the highly controversial LIV Golf Invitational Series, with the former world number one confirming he has requested his release from both the PGA and DP World Tours in order to play in the event.
The series is financed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) and has been the subject of plenty of criticism, with the event widely viewed as the latest example of Saudi sportswashing given the nation's poor human rights record.
However, Westwood has defended his involvement in the event, claiming Saudi Arabia are "trying to improve" through their investment in sport and that they are doing so "a lot quicker than some countries". He also claimed the event is "coming under more scrutiny" than other sports with links to Saudi Arabia, citing PIF's partial ownership of Newcastle United, the Saudi Grand Prix and high-profile boxing bouts which have been held in the nation.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Westwood said: "We've played European Tour in Saudi Arabia and I've had releases from the PGA Tour to say I can play in Saudi Arabia, so it has been no problem to them in previous years.
"Formula One raced there. Newcastle United are owned partly by people from Saudi Arabia. There has been boxing there and I think there has been snooker and darts there as well.
"Golf's not the first sport to have links with Saudi Arabia, but it seems to be coming under more scrutiny than anyone else. Whether you think that's right or not is the individual's opinion.
"I think Saudi Arabia obviously know they've got issues. I think lots of countries around the world have got issues and I think they're trying to improve. They're trying to do it through sport, which a lot of places, a lot of countries do.
"I think they're doing it a lot quicker than some countries have tried to do it and that maybe worries or scares people. People don't like change do they, they like continuity and things to stay the same."
The first event in the series will take place at the Centurion Club in England next month and the likes of Phil Mickelson, Richard Bland and Robert Garrigus have all confirmed that they have asked to participate. "I've put a release in with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, as many people have," Westwood added.
"That's kind of the stage we're at and anything after that is just ifs and buts and speculation. It's an opportunity to play in a big tournament, against some of the best players in the world, in England. I love playing in England in front of home fans, so any time there's an opportunity like that I feel like I should take it."
