Tyrrell Hatton overcame controversy to secure victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, and Rory McIlroy believes his fiery personality is exactly what Team Europe need at the Ryder Cup
Rory McIlroy has talked up Tyrrell Hatton’s Ryder Cup credentials, after the LIV Golf star was crowned champion at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
Hatton secured his first win at Emirates Golf Club and his fifth Rolex Series crown, after chasing down overnight leader Daniel Hillier to win by one shot in the Middle East. It was the perfect start to the season for the Englishman, who returned to the DP World Tour this week with the LIV campaign not beginning until next month.
Hatton will take the title from McIlroy, whose run at the Desert Classic came to an end having won back-to-back in 2023 and 2024. McIlroy knows Hatton well, having spent plenty of time with the Englishman on Tour and at the Ryder Cup.
Whilst Hatton has been in impressive form of late, his on-course antics have offten overshadowed his brilliance, and he was at risk of doing this once more after taking his frustrations out on a tee box during Saturday’s third round. Hatton admitted afterwards that he did have some regrets over his actions, but maintained it did not make him a ‘bad person’.
After he got over the line on Sunday though, McIlroy gave a glowing assessment of the 2025 champion. “He’s become very consistent,” McIlroy said of Hatton. “He does things his own way. He plays within his capabilities. He hits the ball very straight, he doesn’t try to shape it really one way or another.
“Hits it really straight and it looks like he has his sort of systems and the way he practices. He does a really good job at that. He also doesn’t give a flying fig what anyone else thinks which is a really good attribute to have in the game.”
Tyrrell Hatton started his season with victory ( Image: Getty Images)
There was added importance to Hatton’s win, after the 33-year-old banked some much-needed points in the European Ryder Cup list. His chances to make a move up the list will be limited in 2025, with the Englishman set to play the majority of his golf on the LIV circuit.
With his future at the matchplay event up in the air, McIlroy believes Hatton’s personality will be key if Europe are to overcome their American rivals in front of a raucous New York crowd in September. “He’s got balls,” McIlroy added of his teammate’s mentality. “He’ll be amazing in New York.
“He’s proved that over the last three Ryder Cups. He’s a massive asset for the European team.” Hatton will not only be concerned about earning points, but also his outstanding appeal with the DP World Tour, having been fined and suspended for competing in LIV events.
Returning to the circuit at the end of last season, Hatton appealed the sanctions making him eligible to play on his home tour. He will however be hoping either the appeal falls in his favour or it is heard after the Ryder Cup, with the Englishman needing to settle any of his punishments if upheld in order to compete for Luke Donald’s team later this year.
