LIV Golf’s Tyrrell Hatton reveals reason behind playing the DP World Tour’s British Masters
Earlier this year, Tyrrell Hatton joined the LIV Golf circuit, and since then he has been missing from action on the DP World Tour. However, this week he is competing at the British Masters, his first event on the European Tour since January this year.
On Thursday, August 29, Hatton carded 3-under 69 in the first round of the British Masters and was tied for fifth after the conclusion of Day 1. He picked up five birdies in the opening round but also made two bogeys.
During the post round interview, Tyrrell Hatton revealed that Ryder Cup points were one of the prime reasons to compete at the British Masters.
"Ryder Cup is really important to me and I'd love to be on that team next year, and this is the perfect week to try and get off to a good start," he said.
Hatton also expressed the desire to compete at the Team Cup in Abu Dhabi next year.
"I played it two years ago when it was The Hero Cup," he continued. "It was a fun week. If it's possible, I'd love to play in it next year. So we'll see how it plays out but as I said, I'd like to be a part of it."
Following the first round of the British Masters, Hatton is two strokes behind Jeong Weon Ko and Paul Waring, who both shot 67. Thriston Lawrence and Jorge Campillo are one stroke back at 4-under. Hatton is in a 12-way tie alongside the likes of Laurie Canter, Jordan Smith, Andrew Wilson, and others.
Can Tyrrell Hatton and other LIV Golfers compete at the Ryder Cup?
LIV-associated golfers don't have many chances to secure their spots in the Ryder Cup, as they don't compete in DP World Tour or PGA Tour events. Their opportunities to gain Ryder Cup points are quite limited.
Last year, Brooks Koepka earned his spot on the US Ryder Cup team after a phenomenal performance in the major championships. For those unfamiliar, he recorded one win and one runner-up finish in the majors.
On the other hand, no LIV Golf player made it onto the European Ryder Cup team. However, after Jon Rahm announced his switch to the Saudi-backed circuit, Rory McIlroy called for a rule change to include the Spaniard in the team for Bethpage.
With more than a year left until the next edition, it will be interesting to see if Tyrrell Hatton or other LIV Golf pros make it to the team.