Lee Westwood requests release to play in Saudi-funded event

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Lee Westwood has requested a release to play the first event of the Saudi-funded LIV Golf Invitational series in Britain next month.

Westwood said he has asked both the European tour and the PGA Tour for the release required to contest the $25 million event at Centurion Club from June 9-11.

"Not heard anything back yet," Westwood said Wednesday. "Ball is in the European tour’s court and the PGA Tour’s court for that matter."

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Lee Westwood of England plays his shot from the 14th tee during the final round of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort and Spa Champion course on March 01, 2020 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

The 49-year-old Westwood said in February that he had signed a non-disclosure agreement regarding his possible participation in the breakaway series funded primarily by the Saudi Arabia sovereign wealth fund and fronted by another former No. 1, Greg Norman.

Westwood has previously said it would be a "no-brainer" to play for such big money at his stage of his career.

"I think some of my mates I grew up playing with in Worksop (in England), if I went up to them and said I’ve been given an opportunity to play in a tournament, a 48-man tournament for $25 million, they would probably pull me to one side and say, ‘What is it you’re actually thinking about?’" Westwood said.

"This is my job. I do this for money. It’s not the only reason for doing it. But if anybody comes along and gives any of us a chance at a pay rise, then you have to seriously consider it, don’t you? I’ve supported the European Tour for 29 years. I’ve hosted events on this Tour. It’s