Golfer Nathan Kimsey trusts DP World Tour safety measures for the upcoming Abu Dhabi tournament despite regional tensions.
English golfer Nathan Kimsey has stated that he is happy to trust the DP World Tour regarding player safety ahead of next week's tournament in Abu Dhabi. The upcoming event serves as the penultimate tournament of the golf season.
The decision to travel comes amid ongoing safety discussions within the sporting community, following concerns raised by fellow British golfer Matt Fitzpatrick in September regarding travel to the Middle East. Fitzpatrick has chosen not to feature in the entry list for the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship.
Kimsey secured his place in the field as the 72nd-ranked player in the Race to Dubai standings after several top-ranked competitors withdrew from the cut line, according to information published by BBC.
Nathan Kimsey backs tour security plans
Kimsey explained that he feels entirely fine about the travel arrangements after speaking directly with tour organizers over the course of the last couple of months. The organization has established contingency plans and kept athletes fully informed.
The 33-year-old athlete also consulted friends and acquaintances who live and work in the region, receiving reassurance that the local environment remains secure and entirely ready for the international sporting competition.
Aiming for the DP World Tour Championship
Representing Stoneham Golf Club in Southampton, Kimsey is currently enjoying his second-best professional season on tour, having accumulated five top-10 finishes and earnings of £448,000 across 28 tournaments.
A strong performance at the Abu Dhabi event could propel Kimsey into the top 50 of the rankings, thereby securing him a coveted spot at the season-closing DP World Tour Championship in Dubai the following week.
Reflecting on a successful 2026 golf season
Beyond his European tour success, Kimsey marked a major career milestone this year by qualifying for his first-ever US Open at Shinnecock Hills, an experience that has provided him with extra motivation.
Securing his playing rights and tour card for the upcoming year has made the current campaign a highly positive experience, leaving the Lincolnshire-born golfer eager to get started in the United Arab Emirates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Nathan Kimsey say about safety in Abu Dhabi?
Nathan Kimsey stated that he is happy to trust the DP World Tour regarding safety in Abu Dhabi, noting that organizers have proper contingencies in place.
Why is Matt Fitzpatrick not playing in Abu Dhabi?
Matt Fitzpatrick voiced concerns in September about traveling to the Middle East due to regional conflicts involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, and he is absent from the entry list.
How did Nathan Kimsey qualify for the Abu Dhabi tournament?
Ranked 72nd in the Race to Dubai, Kimsey gained entry into the field after several players inside the top 70 cut line chose not to participate.
What are Nathan Kimsey's goals for the tournament?
Kimsey hopes a strong finish in Abu Dhabi will push him into the top 50 of the DP World Tour rankings to qualify for the season finale in Dubai.
