This week marks Tyrrell Hatton's inaugural venture into LIV Golf in Mexico, following his decision to join the tour supported by Saudi Arabia, adding to the list of elite golfers making the transition.
Hatton, who ranks 16th globally, contributed to Europe's triumph at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome. The 32-year-old golfer boasts six victories on the DP World Tour and a single PGA Tour win and is set to be a part of Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team.
Reportedly, Hatton's agreement with LIV Golf is valued at approximately £50 million, a figure substantially exceeding his PGA Tour earnings. This amount, however, pales in comparison to the deal that enticed Jon Rahm, Spain's top golfer, to sign with LIV Golf in December, marking a significant coup for the tour.
Hatton expressed his enthusiasm about embarking on this new journey with Rahm and Legion XIII, starting in Mexico. Despite initial contentment with his participation in the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, Hatton's move indicates the continued allure of LIV Golf, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), even as it explores potential collaborations with the PGA Tour.
Before joining LIV Golf, Hatton was slated to play in the PGA Tour's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Instead, he will now compete at LIV Golf's season opener at El Camaleon Golf Course in Playa del Carmen, alongside talents like former leading amateur Caleb Surratt and Zimbabwe's Kieran Vincent, who secured his spot through a LIV qualifying event.
Hatton's partnership with Rahm at last year's Ryder Cup, where they were dubbed 'Team Angry' for their intense demeanor, was instrumental in Europe reclaiming the trophy. Hatton's shift to LIV Golf, especially following closely behind Rahm's move, raises concerns for Europe's Ryder Cup strategy, particularly for the upcoming challenge at Bethpage in New York in 2025.
Currently, Hatton remains eligible for Ryder Cup selection provided he retains his DP World Tour membership, which necessitates participation in at least four regular events annually. He can also accrue qualification points through major championships, despite facing potential fines and suspensions for participating in LIV Golf events without the requisite clearances from the DP World Tour.
