Rory McIlroy defends players' right to play in Saudi Arabia tournament

    By CNN Sports staff

    Updated 1423 GMT (2223 HKT) December 2, 2021

    A giraffe crosses the first hole at dusk at the Leopard Creek Country Club Golf in Malelane, South Africa in 2004.
    Photos: Animals on golf courses
    A giraffe crosses the first hole at dusk at the Leopard Creek Country Club Golf in Malelane, South Africa in 2004.
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    Matthieu Pavon holes his putt as a stork watches on from behind the 17th green during the third round of the Portugal Masters at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course in Quarteira, Portugal in 2021.
    Photos: Animals on golf courses
    Matthieu Pavon holes his putt as a stork watches on from behind the 17th green during the third round of the Portugal Masters at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course in Quarteira, Portugal in 2021.
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    A moose walks across the 16th tee during "The Match" at The Reserve at Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana in 2021.
    Photos: Animals on golf courses
    A moose walks across the 16th tee during "The Match" at The Reserve at Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana in 2021.
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    Monkeys are seen on the seventh fairway during the second round of the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba on El Camaleon golf course in Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 2021.
    Photos: Animals on golf courses
    Monkeys are seen on the seventh fairway during the second round of the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba on El Camaleon golf course in Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 2021.
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    An alligator crosses the sixth green during a practice round prior to the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island Resort's Ocean Course in South Carolina.
    Photos: Animals on golf courses
    An alligator crosses the sixth green during a practice round prior to the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island Resort's Ocean Course in South Carolina.
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    A coatimundi is seen as Joseph Bramlet putts on the first green during the first round of the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba on the El Camaleon course in Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 2021.