Tyrrell Hatton’s fiery temper was on full display on Saturday at the DP World Tour Championship, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
The English golfer, known for his emotional outbursts, found himself in the spotlight after snapping a club in frustration.
The incident occurred at the 14th hole when Hatton, already struggling with missed putts, vented his anger by slamming his wedge into the ground so hard that it broke.
A Mixed Day for Hatton
Despite the club incident, Hatton managed to bounce back and record his second birdie of the round, finishing with a 71 that left him at nine under, three strokes behind the leaders.
His reaction to the frustration wasn’t just about the snapped club—Hatton’s bad mood was evident throughout the day, as he missed a short putt at the fourth and was caught on microphone swearing at the greens.
As he finished his round, he tossed his ball into the water, further adding to the spectacle.
Criticism from Commentators
Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray didn’t hold back his criticism of Hatton’s behavior, calling it a “terrible influence on the next generation.”
While acknowledging Hatton’s skill, Murray expressed disappointment, saying, “What a terrible influence on the next generation… Why would you do that? We’ve all had our moments but he’s having too many of them.”
The criticism highlights the ongoing concern about Hatton’s emotional control on the course, especially given his history of outbursts.
Hatton’s Strong Season Amid Frustration
Despite the frustration, Hatton’s season has been largely successful.
He has made a solid debut on the LIV circuit and secured a win at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
However, his struggles at the DP World Tour Championship, especially with putting, have been hard to ignore.
His fiery reactions, including the outburst at the 11th hole and the thrown ball, suggest that he’s battling with the mental side of his game, despite being in contention for the title.
McIlroy’s Opportunity to End Year Strong
While Hatton deals with his frustrations, Rory McIlroy finds himself in a more stable position on the leaderboard.
McIlroy, tied at the top with Rasmus Hojgaard and Antoine Rozner, has a chance to finally break his winless streak.
After coming close at several events, including a painful second-place finish at the Irish Open to Hojgaard, McIlroy is eager to finish the year on a high.
“It’s a great opportunity to end the year on a really high note,” McIlroy said after his round of 68.
He’ll need to manage his nerves and push through a few final hurdles to claim victory and close out the 2024 season with a trophy.
Hojgaard’s Dramatic 18th Hole
Hojgaard, who also shares the lead, had his own dramatic moment on the 18th hole.
Despite a stellar performance on the front nine, which saw him card six birdies, Hojgaard faced a near disaster when his drive went into a creek.
His third shot veered off course, hitting a fence and bouncing onto electrical cables.
However, he made the best of the situation, sinking a 20-foot putt for an unlikely par. Hojgaard’s ability to recover and finish strong adds an interesting dynamic to the final round.
What’s Next?
With Hatton’s fiery temper and McIlroy’s quest for redemption, the stage is set for an exciting final round at the DP World Tour Championship.
McIlroy is aiming for a much-needed win to end his season on a positive note, while Hojgaard’s resilience and Hatton’s emotional rollercoaster will make for a thrilling finish.
Who will come out on top? Only time will tell, but it promises to be a captivating conclusion to the year.
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