With Tyrrell Hatton set to appear on the LIV Golf Tour again this year, his chances of scoring Ryder Cup points are slim.
European players cannot earn points in LIV events, but they can obviously earn points in DP World Tour events, which makes it easier for European teams. That explains why Hatton committed to last autumn's DP World Tour and this week's Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He needs to perform well to earn points for his Ryder Cup bid.
He has.
Dating back to August, Hatton has competed in six DP World Tour events, finishing in the top 10 five times and finishing no lower than 18th. He also had two wins at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in October and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday.
Hatton started his final round in Dubai one shot behind Daniel Hillier before shooting a 3-under 69 to overtake the New Zealander and win by one shot. His 6-foot shot on the 18th green proved to be the difference.
“This is an iconic event,” Hatton said after the win.
“Like I said, growing up, watching this event and competing, it's great to be able to win it now. Yeah, I'm happy that I handled myself well and was able to get over the line. “
With this win, Hatton moved up to number one in the European team rankings. Details of the European Ryder Cup are as follows:
- Major Championships: 5,000 points available
- 2025 PGA Tour Featured Events, Players Championship, FedEx Cup Playoffs: 3,000 points available
- DP World Tour Rolex Series: 2,000 points available
- PGA Tour regular events: 2,000 points available
- DP World Tour events: 1,000 points available
- 2025 PGA Tour Alternate Events: 1,000 points available
Given that the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is a Rolex Series event, 2,000 points will be up for grabs this week. But now Hatton must rely on the majors to solidify his bid for a fourth consecutive Ryder Cup team.
“This tournament and the four majors this year means a lot to me and trying to win as many points as possible to try and become an automatic qualifier,” Hatton said on Sunday.
“This is a big step in the right direction.”
Hatton's victory also moved him into the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), automatically joining the four majors. Unlike many other LIV players, he doesn't have to worry about getting a spot in these fields.
“It's no secret that I really want to be in that team. I've automatically qualified for the first three Ryder Cups and I hope to keep that momentum going,” Hatton added.
“Yes, it's much more difficult for me now, but winning the Dunhill and winning here this week, which is the Rolex Series, to gain more points puts me in a good position, but I still need to Playing well and professionally is what I'm going to try to do when I play LIV.
Jack Milko is the golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through. Follow him on X @jackmilko.