The Northern Irishman was speaking ahead of his title defence in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

The 34-year-old Northern Irishman did not attend the ceremony, provide a video message or give a live in-show interview.

Tommy Fleetwood held off the challenge of Ryder Cup team-mate Rory McIlroy with a big finish to claim a dramatic victory at the Dubai Invitational.

Welcome to ‘The Friday Cut’, your weekly round-up of the top stories across the professional tours. 

Rory McIlroy and captain Luke Donald were emotional after a 16.5-11.5 success in Rome.

European captain Luke Donald hailed the win as the biggest achievement of his career.

Europe condemned the United States to a seventh straight away loss.

Europe regained the trophy in Rome on Sunday.

Rory McIlroy was involved in an altercation with Patrick Cantlay’s caddy.

Pictures emerged of McIlroy shouting and angrily pointing his finger at someone outside the clubhouse before being pulled away by Lowry.

McIlroy took exception to caddie Joe LaCava’s celebrations on the 18th green and was later seen in an argument outside the clubhouse.

Late heroics from Patrick Cantlay give the US some hope ahead of Sunday’s singles.

After witnessing a truly dominant early display from Team Europe at the 44th Ryder Cup in Rome, their performance poses an interesting question around the impact of preparation for the two teams.

The resulting five-point lead equalled the largest in the contest’s history

Europe had a tremendous start.

The hosts claimed a record-equalling five-point lead.

Europe built a five-point lead after the opening day of the Ryder Cup.

The home side also staged three dramatic comebacks in the afternoon fourballs to ensure the United States failed to win a single match in the day.

The home side swept an opening session for the first time.

Fitzpatrick had failed to win a point in five matches across his previous two Ryder Cups.