Tyrrell Hatton is arguably a top-five player in the world right now. The feisty Englishman emerged victorious at the DP World Tour’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic this weekend, capturing the fifth Rolex Series event of his career. It’s also the fifth consecutive top-six finish for Hatton since LIV’s season ended last fall. Hatton’s tee-to-green transformation over the last two years vaulted him from a solid player into the discussion of the world’s best. He is routinely gaining two or more shots on the field with his driver and ballstriking, allowing his floor to be incredibly high at every event.
Of course, as is usually the case when Hatton is in the news, he made headlines this week when he threw one of his patented temper tantrums and destroyed a tee marker. He explained it away as “just a bit of frustration” and pondered “does it make me a bad person? No.” While I’m not a pearl clutcher when it comes to golf’s traditions, I have to wonder if the general public is getting tired of golfers, Hatton or otherwise, acting like children on the course. They make for great social moments, but does that make you want to root for someone, or just see what idiotic act they perform next? There is a fine line between emotional and immature and no one tests that line better than Hatton right now.
Regardless, the guy is playing phenomenal golf and will undoubtedly be looking to finally cash in with a worthwhile major season, something he hasn’t had to this point in his career.
This piece originally appeared in the Fried Egg Golf newsletter. Subscribe for free and receive golf news and insight every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.