Tyrrell Hatton admitted that returning to Emirates Golf Club as the defending champion is a “surreal” experience as he gears up to play alongside fellow Ryder Cup stars Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood in rounds one and two.
“It’s always great to be here playing this event,” said the Englishman who completed his eighth DP World Tour success at this venue last year.
“This is my 13th year on Tour, and this was always one of the events I looked forward to playing or hoped that I would play in one day.
“I remember as a kid, I’d wake up early before going to school and I’d enjoy watching this event on TV.
“So to play in this event and to come back here as defending champion is somewhat surreal, but very special and I always enjoy starting my season here.”
“This is a massive event for me,” he added. “This is a tournament that I always look forward to playing in.
“Off the top of my head, I don’t think I’ve missed this event since I got my Tour card. I love playing here. I’d love to give myself a good chance to defend the title this week.
“I’ve just been lucky that I’ve played well in the big events. I’m proud of my record to win five Rolex Series, and three wins at the Dunhill, as well, is really special.
“The events I’ve been lucky enough to win, they are all pretty prestigious with the Tour, so something I’m proud of.”
Along with close friend and fellow Legion XIII team member on LIV, Jon Rahm, Hatton has five Rolex Series victories, making them the joint most successful Rolex Series players since its inception in 2017.
But Hatton won’t be sending any jibes in Rahm’s direction if he overtakes him with a successful defence this week.
“It’s a pretty easy reply for him,” Hatton joked.
“He’ll still send me two Major trophies that I haven’t got near yet. So I think he still wins.”
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