Why Tyrrell Hatton reveals that Rory McIlroy was “horrified” at the Dubai Desert Classic?

Tyrrell Hatton disclosed that he outscored a “horrified” Rory McIlroy at the Dubai Desert Classic, after overindulging in a stone-sinking wine and Guinness over Christmas. The LIV Golf star asserted that he was "turning like the Titanic" during an opening round 70, in defense of his title in "damp January." The Masters champion instructed his Ryder Cup teammate to pay the fines for playing in the Saudi-backed tour to stay eligible for Europe in his pre-tournament press conference.

Tyrrell Hatton talks about "good wine" over the holidays

However, Tyrrell Hatton disclosed that they had discussed during their 18 holes together about the "good wine" they had consumed over the holiday period.


“And then he was horrified to hear what weight I was on January 1st,” laughed the world No.21.

“I was 204 pounds (14st 6lbs), which at 5’8” is aggressive. Just before the Ryder Cup, I was like 190 (13st 6 lbs). So what's that, another stone I'd put on.

“Yeah, I enjoyed my December. I did do some training. Zero cardio and a lot of drinking. So, yeah, I had a Guinness tap in the house, which was enjoyable.

"And so now time to lose a little bit of weight. I am having a damp January. December was aggressive. I did do dry January last year, but I felt like I'd just do damp January this year. So I'll allow myself to have a few. I can be good if I want to be. It's just that most of the time, I just want to enjoy myself. So that's what I do. Now it’s the gym and avoiding alcohol, I would imagine, to lose a little bit of weight. Sad times.”

Tyrrell Hatton’s Ryder Cup teammates Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood shot 73s

Hatton has a long history of drinking. He enjoyed “two to three” Guinnesses a night during his Open challenge at Royal Portrush last summer, and then woke up in his own vomit after his “messy” celebration when he qualified for the Ryder Cup.


Hatton said, “It wasn't pretty. “I was turning like the Titanic! Can't move. I still feel pretty stiff. I guess it's the fifth time I've been on a golf course since the Saudi International (in November).


“The backswing isn't too much of a problem, although when I did start, I felt like my backswing was shorter than Jon's, which is not ideal. Yeah, he's a bit stronger than me, so he can generate a bit more clubhead speed. Yeah, it still feels early for me. I feel rusty. But I'm just trying my best to play as well as I can.”


McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood both shot 73s in the same group as Hatton. They did not discuss the penalties imposed by the DP World Tour for playing conflicting LIV Golf outcomes.


“I don't think we need to talk about that. We're out there to focus on trying to play good golf, and that was pretty hard to do this morning in the conditions that we played in. I ended up seeing what was said. And he said that's his opinion. So everyone's allowed an opinion. I've got nothing more to add to that.”





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