KING ABDULLAH ECONOMIC CITY, Saudi Arabia -- Top-ranked golfer Justin Rose opted against delving into the political ramifications of the decision to stage a European Tour event in Saudi Arabia, saying Wednesday he was happy to play in the tournament to ''support growing the game.''
The Saudi International starts Thursday amid scrutiny of the kingdom's human-rights record and condemnation following the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October.
The world's top three players - Rose, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson - are in a strong field that also includes the last two Masters champions, Patrick Reed and Sergio Garcia.