Matt Fitzpatrick has told reporters he is not "100% comfortable" with the idea of travelling to Dubai for the DP World Tour Championship in November, when he would be expected to defend the title he won last season.
The DP World Tour Championship is the circuit's season-ending event and the destination for the leading players on the tour. Fitzpatrick's remarks underline uncertainty over whether he will travel to the UAE for the tournament later this year.
Fitzpatrick did not give a firm commitment to attend and stopped short of confirming his plans, saying only that he was uneasy about the prospect. His comments leave open the possibility that he could opt out of the event where he is due to return as defending champion.
The 28-year-old's stance is likely to be monitored closely by organisers and fellow competitors, given the profile of the championship on the tour's calendar. Any decision by a defending champion to withdraw would be notable for both sporting and logistical reasons.
Further details on Fitzpatrick's thinking or a final decision on his participation are expected to emerge as the season progresses and as arrangements for the November tournament are clarified.