“I didn’t know what to do with that reaction”: Jon Rahm details “weird” relationship with Tyrell Hatton
Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton's friendship is well known in the golf world. The two have been teammates in countless events, such as the Ryder Cup and at LIV Golf. However, this does not mean that they are no longer competitive with each other.
At the 2024 LIV Golf UK, Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton were among the leading contenders for the title. They happened to play the first round together and it was the perfect scenario to highlight the rivalry that exists between them despite their friendship.
On the 6th hole, Jon Rahm made a great play that provoked a "fierce" look from Hatton. This is what the Spaniard told Golf.com:
"Being low left, I hit a good shot, and he [Hatton] just froze and looked at me like this [Rahm showed a threatening expression]. I didn’t know what to do with that reaction, so I was just a little confused down there on the left."
Jon Rahm also explained how his friendship with Tyrrell Hatton works in such a competitive environment as professional golf:
"It’s a weird scenario because, as good friends as you are, you want each other to do good, but you also want to beat each other. I could tell one of us was making a birdie, we first look at each other like, seriously? Don’t get too far ahead or don’t make many of those, but obviously we want to see other make birdies."
Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton represented Europe at the 2018, 2021 and 2023 Ryder Cups, winning the first and third. Since January 2024, both have been part of LIV Golf's Legion XIII team, which is captained by Rahm.
A look at Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton's performance at LIV Golf UK
Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton ended 1-2 at LIV Golf UK, as the Spaniard took the title, while the Englishman tied for second with Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith.
Hatton was tied for first place with Rahm when he missed a 5-foot putt for par on the 17th hole. However, it was the Englishman's turn to miss his putt on the 18th, giving the Spaniard his first LIV Golf victory.
The performances of Rahm and Hatton were decisive for Legion XIII in winning the LIV Golf UK team event. Their other two teammates, Caleb Surrat and Kieran Vincent finished tied for 41st.
Legion XIII finished with a score of 26 under, three strokes ahead of Ripper GC. Smash GC and Crushers GC (T3) rounded out the podium.
This is the fourth win of the season for Legion XIII, while Rahm and Hatton each have one individual triumph. The team is second in the season standings, the same spot Rahm holds in the individual standings. Hatton is third on the list.