LEE WESTWOOD asked for permission to participate in the controversial Saudi-funded LIV Golf International series. He stated that he does this "for money."
The English golfer is putting his career at risk by chasing after the petrodollars.
Lee Westwood is keen to participate in the first rebel event, and admits that money is his primary motivation.
Phil Mickelson, a USA legend, also requested the release of the Saudi series.
Westwood was photographed sitting next to Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley on Saturday, as he watched the Saudi Arabia-backed Toon lose against Liverpool.
Yesterday, he spoke out about the controversial PS200million rebel circuit and confirmed that he had asked for a release by the PGA & DP World Tours to be allowed to play in the first event in Hertfordshire.
Westwood, 49 years old, stated that he has not received any response yet. The tour's are in control.
"Some of my friends from Worksop were there when I was growing up. If I said that I'd been offered the chance to play in a 48-man tournament worth $25 million, they'd probably pull me aside and ask, 'What are you actually thinking about?
"This is my job. This is my job. This is not the only reason I do it. If anyone offers any of us a raise, you should seriously consider it.
"It's being presented as and them and them," whereas LIV Golf has stated that they want to stand side-by-side.
"They're not up against the big tournaments. They don't force anyone's hand, I believe."
Westwood was asked whether the source of the cash, Saudi's Public Investment Fund which also owns Newcastle, was an issue.
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He stated that the European Tour was his first trip to Saudi Arabia. They didn't have any problems with the source of the money.
"I believe that politics and sport shouldn't be mixed."
Richard Bland, British Masters champion, is defending his title at The Belfry today. He also requested a release to play at Centurion Club, St Albans, from June 9-11.
Bland won his first Tour win last year at his 478th attempt. He said that this will be his 500th event.
Phil Mickelson, the six-time Major winner of the USA, also requested to be allowed to take part in the Saudi series.
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