Tempestuous Tyrrell Triumphs in Dubai: The Angry Golfer’s Rise and Expectations
Tyrrell Hatton has firmly established himself in the spotlight once again by claiming victory at the Dubai Desert Classic, a win that sends him soaring back into the top 10 of the world golf rankings. With the Ryder Cup scheduled at Bethpage later this year, Hatton’s return to the esteemed team now appears all but guaranteed.
While many players have faded into obscurity after their switch to LIV Golf, Hatton continues to hold his own among the elite in the sport. His latest win in Dubai marks his second title on the DP World Tour since he joined the controversial LIV circuit in early 2024. Even as Rory McIlroy sought to mount a challenge during the final round, Hatton remained unshakeable at the Emirates Golf Club.
Reflecting on his victory, Hatton noted, “To add my name to the list of amazing champions who have come before me, and to have my name on that trophy is a dream come true.” As a child, he used to feign illness to escape school and catch the championship live. With six top-10 finishes in major tournaments, it is clear that Hatton possesses the potential to elevate his game even further.
Despite the glorious $1.5 million (£1.2 million) prize that comes with the Dubai title, Hatton is likely unfazed by the minor penalty he’ll face — a result of damaging a tee box in frustration during the third round. This incident indicates that Hatton might continue to be a volatile character on the course, but it seems that his capability to perform under pressure won’t wane. His final round score of 69 placed him at a commendable 15-under-par, earning him the trophy by a single stroke over New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier. Hatton sealed his win with a crucial 6-foot putt on the last green.
Rory McIlroy, reflecting on Hatton’s tenacity, stated, “He doesn’t care what anyone thinks, which is a fantastic attribute in this game. He has the guts.” McIlroy expressed confidence in Hatton’s potential contributions to the European Ryder Cup team, suggesting that Hatton could be “amazing” and a “massive asset” as they strive to retain the trophy.
For Hatton, the final day in Dubai revolved around managing expectations, as he entered the day as the heavy favorite. A shaky start, marked by a dropped shot at the first hole, appeared to unsettle him momentarily. However, he quickly bounced back, firing a front nine of 33 that placed him in a strong position. McIlroy’s round was slower to develop; they both played the front nine showing signs of brilliance but left the latter parts of the day for drama.
Even as McIlroy picked up birdies on the back stretch, including three between the 10th and 13th holes, Hatton had established a comfortable lead that left his challenges too far back to impede him. McIlroy finished in a tie for fourth alongside Denmark’s Niklas Nørgaard after a final score of 66, which was his lowest throughout the tournament.
As Hatton surveyed the 18th tee with a lead of two strokes, it seemed that a glorious victory was well within reach. His brilliant approach shot to the 16th hole had bolstered that confidence further. However, Hillier, despite being outside the world’s top 200 before this tournament, kept the pressure on by sinking a birdie on the last hole, forcing Hatton to maintain focus until the end. Hatton’s 50-foot two-putt finish, sealing the deal, came amidst the nerves that had been building throughout the round.
“I was pretty nervous on the back nine,” Hatton admitted after the victory. “I think I wanted it too much. I was scruffy down the last, but seeing that putt go in felt incredible. I’m just so happy to win. This event is iconic on the tour, and I’ve always wanted my name associated with it.” This sentiment highlights the significance of the win for Hatton, showing his emotional investment in the tournament’s history.
Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, acknowledged the need for improvement in his “game management” before he returns to the U.S. circuit. His performance on the final day demonstrated his potential, while Laurie Canter also made an impressive start to the year with strong finishing, ending just two strokes behind the winner. The LIV-bound Tom McKibbin also showcased his skills with a top-10 finish at 11-under-par.
