Tyrrell Hatton makes last-minute bolt for LIV Golf to join Jon Rahm’s team
World No. 16 Tyrrell Hatton is heading to LIV Golf for $63.5 million and will join Ryder Cup partner Jon Rahm’s new team in the Saudi-backed golf league, according to The Telegraph.
Tyrrell Hatton joins LIV Golf
Tyrrell Hatton, currently ranked 16th in the world, has decided to leave the PGA Tour and join LIV Golf. He will receive $63.5 million for the move and will be part of Jon Rahm's team in the Saudi-backed golf league. The news was reported by The Telegraph.
As a result of this decision, Hatton will not be participating in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am but will instead play in LIV's season-opening event in Mexico. However, this move could create challenges for the European Ryder Cup team due to regulations that require LIV golfers to participate in at least four DP World Tour events in order to be eligible for the Ryder Cup.
Negotiations between PGA Tour and LIV Golf
The DP World Tour currently fines and suspends any player who competes in a LIV Golf event, which makes it difficult for golfers like Hatton to fulfill the minimum requirement of four DP World Tour events. However, there are ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund, which finances LIV Golf, to potentially solve this issue.
These negotiations have been ongoing since the merger announcement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf last June. The inability to compete in the Ryder Cup and participate in majors was a major concern for Hatton, but a call with Jon Rahm and an increased offer ultimately convinced him to make the last-minute decision to join LIV Golf.
Tyrrell Hatton's career and achievements
Tyrrell Hatton has had a successful career in golf, with one PGA Tour win at the 2020 Arnold Palmer Invitational and six victories in the DP World Tour. He has been ranked as high as fifth in the world and has five top-10 finishes in majors. His best finish was a tie for fifth at the 2016 Open Championship.
By joining LIV Golf and Jon Rahm's team, Hatton is making a bold move that could potentially change the landscape of professional golf. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact his career, but it is clear that LIV Golf is gaining momentum as a serious competitor to the PGA Tour.
