Tyrrell Hatton admits he would love to automatically qualify for the European Ryder Cup team in September but knows playing on the LIV Golf tour will most likely see him relying on a captain’s pick from Luke Donald.
Hatton has become a linchpin of Team Europe since making his Ryder Cup debut in 2018 and it is widely expected that he and Jon Rahm will be part of Donald’s 12-man team for Bethpage Black in September regardless if they qualify or not.
The Englishman was a star for Great Britain and Ireland at the Team Cup, proving to be a leader alongside rookie Tom McKibbin as he won three and a half points from his four matches underlining his vast experience in matchplay competitions.
“Yeah, by now, I guess Luke knows what I’m capable of or the type of golf that I can produce,” Hatton said afterwards.
“Yeah, my job is harder to automatically qualify for the team but I have five events to do that. So yeah, I’m going to give it my best. And my last three Ryder Cups, I’ve managed to automatically qualify, and I’d love to keep that streak going.”
A Rolex Series specialist, Hatton’s quest to automatically qualify for the European Ryder Cup team begins next week at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club and he must make the most of his five appearances on the DP World Tour if he is to accomplish his goal.
Hatton surprised himself with how he played having spent the majority of the winter period hitting golf balls into a simulator.
“I guess a little bit of a surprise in terms of how consistent I was. Sort of expecting to be rusty. In some ways, you have one eye next week on the Desert Classic, but overall, really pleased with how I played and really happy to contribute towards the team. It’s been a fantastic week.”
Leave a comment