Tyrrell Hatton snapped his club in half and yelled an expletive after hitting the ball in a move that left the hot-headed British golfer at the World Tour Championship in Dubai on Saturday Hands fined at DP World Tour for setting “horrible” example.
The 18th-ranked Hatton's widespread dissatisfaction with this week's match in Dubai erupted during the third round of the end-of-season championship at the Globe.
The match started in disgraceful fashion when he lazily tried to make par from less than a foot away on the fourth hole, only to have his ball hit the back of the cup and skid out of the hole – finally , he threw the ball toward the water guarding the hole. After completing the round, get green number 18.
Hatton says damaging club caused negative consequences
Tyrrell Hatton deliberately broke his golf club during the third round of the DP World Tour Championship. After the incident, Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray said he had a “terrible impact on the next generation”.
Between those incidents, Hatton's most egregious example of bad behavior occurred on the 14th hole, the par-5 third hole, when he slammed an iron into the ground so hard that it broke.
Evan Murray, a commentator on BBC Sky Sports, responded: “I'm afraid it's time for a change. This is having a terrible impact on the next generation.”
Earlier, Hatton missed the green on his approach to No. 8, hitting the turf in anger. His behavior became more erratic on No. 11, and after missing a birdie putt from 5 feet, he slammed the putter onto the green. Green and swore multiple times in comments that aired on television.
On the 13th, he was again heard swearing as his tee shot fell off the edge.
After the round, the European Tour confirmed Hatton's behavior breached its code of conduct.
“He will be fined as a result,” the PGA Tour said.
Hatton started the third round with a one-shot lead and ended up holding a three-shot lead over co-leaders Rory McIlroy, Rasmus Hoggard and Antoine Rozner.
McIlroy maintained a tie for the lead in the DP World Tour Championship with a mediocre finish, while Tom McKibbin moved in to earn his PGA Tour card with one round remaining.
Hatton, 33, who has won tournaments on both sides of the Atlantic and is a three-time Ryder Cup player, joined the LIV Golf Series earlier this year but still competes on the European Tour.
He was considered one of the most irritable golfers around and was often heard talking to himself after a shot.
“I despise everything about this hole,” Hatton was heard saying while playing the 18th hole at the Globe on Friday.
The course was designed by Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf.
