McIlroy & # 39; s most recent competition outing came to the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai last month

Rory McIlroy has ruled out that he was taking part in next month's European Tour event in Saudi Arabia, despite the fact that he Large deposit was offered.

World number one Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson are among the big names that will come into action at the end of January at the Saudi International.

"It's just not something that would fascinate me," the Northern Irishman told the Gulf Channel on Monday.

McIlroy did not deny reports that he had been offered compensation of $ 2.5 million (£ 1.9 million).

Amnesty International describes the human rights registers of the Saudi regime as & # 39; horrible & # 39; but the country has tried to lure major sporting events to the kingdom, particularly last Saturday's heavyweight boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr in Riyadh.

"100%, there is also a moral," McIl added roy about his decision to miss the event, which takes place from January 30 to February 2.

"You could say that about so many countries, not just Saudi Arabia, but many countries we play in, there is a reason not to go, but for me I just don't want to go."

The four-fold big winner admitted that he had watched Joshua-Ruiz match on television on Saturday, but added that his tournament appearances at the start of 2020 will be limited to PGA Tour events.

"I think the atmosphere looks better at the events on the west coast [of America] and I'd rather play for big golf fans and play in a tournament that really captivates me," McIlroy explained.

American Tiger Woods, the 15-time big winner, revealed last week that he had declined an offer to play in the Saudi event.