Justin Rose is not planning to play in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series as he looks to "stay out of trouble" and achieve more of his career goals.
Lee Westwood, Richard Bland and Phil Mickelson are among the players to have requested releases from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to compete in the 25million US dollar event at Centurion Club next month. Rose will not be doing the same but the former US Open champion and Olympic gold medallist said he respects Westwood's opinion.
He also conceded that he himself played in the Saudi International when it was part of the DP World Tour schedule: "Golf is noisy at the moment and there's a huge cat amongst the pigeons," Rose told the PA news agency.
"It's going to suit a lot of people and it's also going to possibly divide a lot of people. It depends on where they are with their thinking, the moment they are in their career or their needs as a family or as a person.
"Everyone has a different attitude towards it. I saw Lee's comments and respect them. I know where he's at and can see where's coming from. For me right now I'm just focused on my childhood goals that I haven't yet achieved and that for me means staying out of trouble I suppose and being able to play and compete in the events that I want to compete in.
Rose also acknowledged the uncertainty around the project, with many top players having still not confirmed their intentions: "There's a lot of unknowns at the moment, it's very much going to be waiting to see how it's all dealt with."
"The LIV league is not the only show in town, the PGL (Premier Golf League) is still rumbling away. It's noisy right now, there's a lot of stuff to get through and I think everyone is a little confused by it all."
Rose, 41, was speaking at the launch of an academy he has established alongside American Golf. The project aims to get five million people into the sport for the first time.
The new series has proved a divisive issue ever since the plans were announced, with American star Mickelson initially accusing the PGA Tour of "obnoxious greed" by threatening players who joined with sanctions. However, he then made disparaging comments about Saudi Arabia, and promptly took an indefinite break from the sport.
A number of high-profile stars have also distanced themselves from the new project. Rory McIlroy labelled it "dead in the water," while top US players like Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Colin Morikawa also dismissed speculation they were set to sign up.
The chief executive of LIV Golf though, Greg Norman, has remained defiant. He's publicly said that events will be held regardless, arguing the game's best will soon be tempted by seeing lesser players earn millions in prize money.
The organisation's first tournament takes place at the Centurion Club in Hertfordshire from June 9-11. Norman and co have claimed over 70 players have registered to play in the $25m event, including 15 players in the top 100 and three Major champions.
