Tyrrell Hatton shared that he performed better than a surprised Rory McIlroy at the Dubai Desert Classic after indulging in wine and Guinness over the Christmas period. The golfer jokingly mentioned feeling as cumbersome as the Titanic during his initial round at the tournament in January.
During a casual round together, the Masters champion advised his colleague to cover the fines associated with playing on the Saudi-supported tour to remain eligible for the European team. However, their conversation mostly revolved around the quality of wine they enjoyed during the festive season.
Laughing about his weight gain, Hatton disclosed that he weighed 204 pounds on January 1st, a noticeable increase from his weight just before the Ryder Cup. He attributed the extra pounds to minimal cardio workouts and a significant amount of drinking, especially relishing his Guinness on tap at home.
Acknowledging the need to shed some weight, Hatton humorously mentioned embarking on a “damp January” after a particularly indulgent December. Despite his less-than-ideal physical condition, Hatton managed to score decently in his first competitive round of the year, trailing behind clubhouse leader Francesco Molinari.
Hatton, known for his appreciation of Guinness, recounted consuming multiple pints a night during a past golf challenge and experiencing a raucous celebration after securing a spot in the Ryder Cup team.
Expressing his struggles on the course, Hatton reflected on his limited practice time since the Saudi International and his physical stiffness affecting his swing. Despite feeling rusty, he emphasized his commitment to performing to the best of his ability.
McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, also part of the same group as Hatton, opted not to discuss the fines related to conflicting LIV Golf results during their round.
Poland’s Adrian Meronk echoed Hatton’s sentiments regarding the fines imposed on players participating in other tours, emphasizing the need for a fair agreement between the different golf tours to address the issue.