A year ago, Tyrrell Hatton became the centre of all media attention. His move to LIV Golf, following his friend and colleague Jon Rahm, extended the echo of the earthquake caused by the man from Barrika.
His rookie year on the Saudi circuit has resulted in a victory in Nashville, four team wins, fourth in the annual individual ranking, and second with Legion XIII. Additionally, the Englishman has been one of the most proactive in playing tournaments beyond LIV. Maintaining his spot in the Majors and fighting to play in the Ryder Cup is something that has motivated Tyrrell to stay active.
In the final stretch of the season, he played five DP World Tour events, including a victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and four top tens. His worst finish was 18th at the Betfred Masters. Regarding the Majors, Tyrrell shone with a top ten at the Masters, made the cut at the US Open and the PGA Championship, and missed the weekend at the Open.
Hatton’s case is one of the few where not only has he not lost positions in the world ranking, but he has also climbed a step. He was 16th in the ranking after the Hero Dubai Dessert Classic, his last event before joining LIV. Today, he is 15th. It is quite an achievement to remain in the world top 20 having played all year in LIV.
Reflecting on this first season, Tyrrell has given an interview to the Daily Mail reviewing everything that has happened. Hatton confessed that he initially rejected the offer received at Christmas a year ago. He didn’t feel comfortable and wasn’t entirely convinced. A few weeks later, the Saudi circuit came back and convinced the Englishman. About 40 million dollars were the final push for Hatton to lean towards the Saudi circuit.
For his part, he does not regret the big step taken: “I was a bit scared thinking about what I was risking, but honestly, a year later, it has been great.”
“It has been a good year,” Hatton concludes. “It has been very different from what I knew and has also brought uncertainties because if I didn’t play well, I knew there was a possibility I wouldn’t be in the Majors in 2025. It was a thought that terrified me.”
He is also adamant about the insinuations that Rahm, former world number 1 and his teammate in LIV, has experienced some degree of remorse since leaving the PGA Tour: “Sorry to say it like this, but that’s just media nonsense,” says Hatton.
“He has enjoyed it a lot and played very well golf (Rahm won the individual LIV title in his debut season),” the Englishman wanted to conclude.
People have shown me some of the things that have been written, but being close to Jon, it never crossed my mind.
What this year’s winner in Saint Andrews is clear about is his main goal for 2025: “To play in the Ryder Cup.” We will see how the whole legal matter with the DP World Tour ends, but right now it points to if he doesn’t qualify by sporting merits, he will be one of those chosen by Luke Donald. He will have to maintain his level on the field.
