Tyrrelll Hatton

Tyrrell Hatton rallies to secure 8th DP World Tour title in Dubai  

ByNews Desk

33-year-old Englishman, a PGA Tour winner and now a LIV Golfer, Tyrrell Hatton, carded rounds of 71-65-68-69 (15-under 273) to win the US$ 9mn Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates GC in Dubai, UAE.

This win is yet another feather in the cap of Hatton’s flourishing career, marking his fifth Rolex Series title and third worldwide triumph since joining LIV Golf in January 2024. His two prior wins under the LIV Golf banner include the inaugural LIV Golf Nashville in June and the prestigious Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in October.

The Final Round: A Battle of Wills

Hatton began the final day trailing New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier by a single shot. By the fifth hole, however, the tide had turned decisively. A composed Hatton rolled in a four-footer for birdie while Hillier faltered with a bogey after a misjudged chip, handing the Englishman the outright lead.

A nine-foot birdie on the sixth doubled Hatton’s advantage as Hillier’s putter let him down from closer range. The pivotal moment came at the par-3 seventh, where Hatton’s tee shot flirted with disaster but miraculously stopped short of the water hazard. His nerves held firm as he salvaged par.

The back nine was a showcase of resilience and occasional brilliance. Both players birdied the par-5 tenth, but Hillier clawed one back at the 11th with a pinpoint tee shot and birdie. Yet, the Kiwi’s hopes faded as he failed to capitalize on Hatton’s dropped shot at the 12th, keeping the Englishman’s lead intact.

A War of Attrition

The final holes turned into a grind, with neither player able to seize the long par-5 13th or create separation through the 15th. Meanwhile, a chasing pack featuring Laurie Canter, Rory McIlroy, Shaun Norris and Niklas Norgaard watched for an opening that never came.

Hatton delivered the knockout blow at the 16th, sticking a wedge to tap-in range for a crucial birdie. Standing on the 18th tee with a one-shot lead, Hatton played conservatively, laying up to avoid the looming water hazard. His cautious approach left a daunting 45-foot birdie putt, which he two-putted for par.

Hillier, in a last-ditch effort, attacked the green in two but left himself a tricky nine-footer for birdie. He drained it, forcing Hatton to sink a nerve-wracking five-footer to secure the title – which he did with aplomb.

A Year of Milestones

Hatton’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic victory is the latest highlight in an impressive stretch since his move to LIV Golf. The Englishman has not only thrived in the controversial league but also maintained his stature as one of the game’s premier players on the global stage.

“I’m thrilled to add this title to my collection,” Hatton said after lifting the trophy. “It wasn’t the prettiest at times, but I stayed patient and made the shots when they mattered.”

As the DP World Tour and LIV Golf continue to chart their intertwined futures, Hatton’s success stands as a testament to his adaptability and competitive mettle. With eight DP World Tour titles now under his belt, including five Rolex Series crowns, the fiery Englishman is proving he’s still very much at the peak of his game.

Photo – DPWT

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