Tyrrell Hatton is rumoured to be joining forces with Ryder Cup teammate Jon Rahm in the LIV Golf League for its upcoming season, starting this Friday in Mexico. The league is expanding to include 13 teams, an increase from the previous year.
Hatton, known for his performances in the Ryder Cup, is poised to be the next major addition to the LIV Golf League, aligning with Jon Rahm's squad for the forthcoming season.
Should Hatton's transition to LIV Golf be finalized, he would mark the league's most significant acquisition since Jon Rahm, the current Masters champion, who reportedly signed a deal potentially worth £450 million in early December.
Having kicked off the year with two top-15 finishes on the PGA Tour, followed by a 31st place tie at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Hatton, a three-time Ryder Cup participant, is now expected to opt out of the PGA Tour's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California, in anticipation of his move to Rahm's team in the LIV Golf League, with announcements expected before the Mexico season opener.
With six DP World Tour wins and a PGA Tour victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational under his belt, Hatton has been a staple in Europe's last three Ryder Cup teams and is secured spots in all four major tournaments for the upcoming year.
This transition occurs amidst ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) concerning a "framework agreement" aimed at resolving golf's ongoing disputes, with discussions extending past the initial deadline.
Sky Sports News' Jamie Weir shared insights on the move, indicating longstanding rumors about Hatton's potential switch to LIV Golf. Weir noted the strong partnership between Hatton and Rahm during the Ryder Cup and their close friendship, suggesting Rahm's successful recruitment of his preferred teammate for his team, Legion XIII.
In addition to Rahm and Hatton, Legion XIII is expected to welcome Kieran Vincent, who earned his spot through a LIV Golf Promotions event, and Caleb Surratt, a member of last year's victorious Walker Cup Team USA, although the full team lineup is pending official confirmation.
Other players speculated to join LIV Golf include Adrian Meronk, who recently withdrew from the PGA Tour's Farmers Insurance Open and is linked with Cleeks GC, and Lucas Herbert, who has hinted at joining Ripper GC, led by Cameron Smith. Kalle Samooja, Jinichiro Kozuma, and Andy Ogletree have also secured their spots through various qualifying avenues.
The 2024 LIV Golf season kicks off at El Camaleon Golf Course in Mexico, followed by an event in Las Vegas, scheduled to avoid overlapping with the Super Bowl. The global schedule includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain, and England, maintaining the 54-hole, no-cut format with shotgun starts, and featuring individual and team prizes.
