Rory McIlroy joins Tiger Woods, withdraws from Turkish Airlines Open

Rory McIlroy cited safety concerns as the reason he'll skip next week's Turkish Airlines Open

Rory McIlroy's chances of becoming the first player to win the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup and the European Tour's Race to Dubai in the same season will take a serious hit as the star is withdrawing from next week's Turkish Airlines Open.

McIlroy hinted at safety concerns as the reason for his withdrawal, saying "I think it's obvious," when asked about his reasoning, as Turkey has dealt with deadly bombing attacks for the past year.

McIlroy trails Henrik Stenson and Danny Willett in the Race to Dubai standings after the HSBC Champions, and will fall further behind as the season comes to a close by skipping the event in Turkey. The Turkish Airlines Open is the first of three events in the European Tour's version of the playoffs, culminating with the finale in Dubai.

McIlroy said he isn't worried about it, noting that having won the Race to Dubai last year and this year's FedEx Cup, he's not as concerned about the points race and made his decision easier.

"I guess it's out of my hands," McIlroy said to reporters Sunday. "I took the decision not to go to Turkey next week. Those boys can battle it out. If I have somewhat of a chance going into Dubai, that's great. If not, they've had big wins over the course of the season. They've played well -- two major championships. I'm OK with that."

McIlroy isn't the only big name to withdraw from the Turkish Airlines Open recently, as Tiger Woods also withdrew after pulling out of the Safeway Open earlier in October. Woods did not cite safety concerns, but instead noted that he felt his return to golf should come in a PGA Tour event.