Tyrrell Hatton was frustrated in Scotland. (Image: Getty Images)
Tyrrell Hatton’s grievances about the speed of the greens at this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship were swiftly dismissed by the commentary team.
After spending most of 2024 on the circuit, Hatton has recently returned to the DP World Tour, aiming to participate in four events that will allow him to maintain his membership and thus qualify for next year’s . His journey to Scotland this week signifies the crucial fourth tournament he needs to complete his count.
The Englishman got off to a strong start on Thursday, recording an impressive seven-under-par 65, putting him in a strong position in his pursuit to become a three-time champion.
Starting his tournament at Carnoustie, Hatton’s second round took him to Kingsbarns, where he delivered another remarkable performance. However, his Friday was not without controversy, as the LIV star was overheard voicing complaints about the speed of the putting surface.
After missing a birdie putt and settling for par on the tenth, Hatton exclaimed: “Oh they’re so slow. Why? Cut them…”
Sky Sports’ Nick Dougherty, however, appeared unimpressed in the commentary box, retorting: “No… you know why they don’t cut them,” during the broadcast.
“Three rounds of golf, same pins, if they cut them quick and they get a day where it gets up to 20, 30mph winds, then they can become un-puttable. He knows that, it’s just a bit of frustration boiling over.”
Tyrrell Hatton was “put in his place”. (Image: Getty Images)
His co-commentator, Dame Laura Davies, weighed in on the matter: “That’s put him in his place.”
Despite the irritation, Hatton had a successful round at the Scottish course, shooting a four-under 68 to bring him to 11-under for the tournament.
As the competition heats up at St Andrews, Hatton finds himself just four strokes behind clubhouse leaders Cameron John and Nicolas Colsaerts going into Saturday’s third round. The event is notable for featuring 14 LIV golfers among the DP World Tour players, hinting at a potential reconciliation within the sport at its historic birthplace.
The Pro-Am event also highlighted the ongoing dialogue between the and LIV Golf, with key figures Jay Monahan and Yasir Al-Rumayyan both participating.
Not only were the two central figures in the peace talks present, but Tour commissioner Monahan and LIV chairman Al-Rumayyan were also notably paired together for the first round, alongside their professional partners Billy Horschel and Dean Burmester.