Pablo Larrazabal believes Tyrrell Hatton is now one of the top five players in the world and he fell just one short of his DP World Tour record on Sunday victory.
On the 18th, the 33-year-old Hatton made a crucial 7-foot par shot to narrowly defeat New Zealander Daniel Hillier at the Dubai Desert Classic.
The victory marked the fiery Briton's eighth career DP World Tour title and fifth Rolex Series victory.
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With nine months to go until the 2025 Ryder Cup, Hatton has moved to the top of the European Ryder Cup rankings.
He has made no secret of his intention to automatically qualify for Luke Donald's team, although his chances of earning points will be limited due to his status as a LIV Golf League player.
To do that, he needs to automatically finish in the top six in the European Ryder Cup standings.
Donald will have six picks.
Will Tyrrell Hatton win a Grand Slam in 2025?
— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) January 20, 2025
Hatton returned to the DP World Tour in September 2024 after appealing the fine imposed on him when he joined LIV Golf last season.
He has reportedly not yet been told when his appeal will be heard.
Hatton's Legion XIII captain and European Ryder Cup teammate Jon Rahm had the same experience.
If their appeal is dismissed, their status in Donald's team could be in jeopardy.
Hatton's latest win jumps him from No. 17 to No. 17 eighth In the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
But in Larrazabal's view, there is no doubt that Hatton is currently a top-five player in the world, and he has won two of the past five World Series.
@tyrrellhatton is one of the best players in the world, currently easily in the top 5 in my opinion, and has won a lot more games than the players they consider top 10 in the world… Slow down a bit now, Tyrell, Another one @DPWorldTour The title caught me…
— Pablo Larrazabal (@plarrazabal) January 19, 2025
Larrazabal, 41, also hopes Hatton can slow down as he approaches his record nine wins on the DP World Tour.
Hatton is now just one win behind La Razabal, who won on the European Tour from 2008 to 2023.
“Terrell Hatton is one of the best players in the world, easily in the top five at the moment in my opinion, and has won more tournaments than the players they consider top ten in the world… Slow down now, Tyrrell, another DP World Tour title has me hooked [winky emoji]”, tweeted Larazabal, who missed out on qualifying for Dubai.
Sadly Pablo, we think Tyrell may be overtaking you soon!
Tyrell Hatton
During the third round of the Dubai Desert Classic, Hatton was seen hitting the tee mark twice despite finding the center of the green on the par-3 seventh hole.
He was later questioned by race officials.
Hatton discussed the topic after the third round – Read more here
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