Tyrrell Hatton is riding high after his thrilling victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, but his post-match remarks have captured just as much attention as his performance on the course. The 33-year-old Englishman displayed remarkable composure to outlast a strong field of competitors, but questions loom about his eligibility for this year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black due to his affiliation with LIV Golf.
Hatton’s Ryder Cup dreams
Hatton, a standout in past Ryder Cups, has made no secret of his desire to represent Team Europe again in 2025. However, his alignment with LIV Golf complicates matters. If LIV Golf’s appeal to gain Ryder Cup eligibility for its players is denied, Hatton—and several other European stars—could find themselves sidelined. This would be a significant blow for Team Europe, which relies on seasoned players like Hatton to compete on one of golf’s grandest stages.
Larrazabal’s playful jab
Spanish golfer Pablo Larrazabal added some humor to the conversation, offering both praise and a lighthearted challenge.
“Tyrrell Hatton is one of the best players in the world, in my opinion easy top 5 at the moment and wins a lot more tournaments than players that they think are top 10 in the world… now slow down a little bit Tyrrell, one more DP World Tour title to catch me [winky emoji],” Larrazabal quipped on X.
Larrazabal, who has 10 DP World Tour titles to his name, jokingly acknowledged that Hatton is closing in on his record. While the Spaniard might hope to maintain his lead, he’s well aware that records exist to be broken.
Hatton’s momentum
Hatton’s Dubai Desert Classic win marked his eighth career DP World Tour title and his fifth in a Rolex Series event, cementing his reputation as one of the most consistent performers in high-profile tournaments. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver in pressure situations makes him a critical asset for Team Europe, should he be eligible to compete.
The road ahead
As the golf world waits for clarity on LIV Golf’s standing in the Ryder Cup landscape, Hatton’s focus will remain on building on his recent success. With his unwavering determination and undeniable talent, the coming months could see him add more silverware to his collection—and perhaps surpass Larrazabal’s record along the way.
Whether or not Hatton gets the chance to showcase his skills at Bethpage Black, his recent victory signals that he’s far from finished rewriting his story in the world of professional golf.