Saturday 10 October 2015 19:19, UK
Chief executive Keith Pelley insists the decision to allow Rory McIlroy to compete in the Final Series has not created a dangerous precedent for the European Tour.
McIlroy, who is not part of the British Masters field at Woburn, has failed to play the minimum number of events (13) during the 2014/15 season, but will be able to feature in the lucrative four-tournament series starting in October.
The world No 3, who ruptured ankle ligaments in July, has been described as 'a great ambassador for world golf' and a crucial part of the European Tour by Pelley.
Asked if he had created a dangerous precedent, Pelley said: "I totally disagree. I think if that was to happen with another player I would go through the exact same forensic analysis.
"With Rory I understood the commitments he had in America and we had external doctors verify the fact he couldn't play in more tournaments.
"I think what we have now is a process in place to properly analyse if this situation was to re-occur and I would look at it the same and make a decision based accordingly on the actual regulations."
Beginning at the Turkish Airlines Open later this month, the Final Series ends with the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in November and Pelley, who replaced George O'Grady in August, said the decision to include McIlroy has not been taken lightly.
"We took a detailed forensic analysis of all aspects of the situation," Pelley added.
"We looked closely at all his medical reports, we worked closely with his team, closely with Rory and at the end of the day we made a decision we thought was in the best interests of the European Tour.
"If going forward now that was to happen with any other player, we basically have a process in place."
