Tyrrell Hatton has left the beleaguered LIV Golf League and will return full-time to the DP World Tour in a move that will ease the fears of Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.
On an awful day for the breakaway circuit, which also saw another Englishman in Ian Poulter, South Africa’s Branden Grace and Australian Lucas Herbert confirm their departures, Hatton announced his intentions.
With LIV setting a Sunday deadline for players to commit to the new iteration of the tour formerly funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Hatton, 35, went to his social media accounts to clarify his future. Last week, the DP World Tour issued an ultimatum saying that anybody playing on LIV could not be a member and would therefore not be eligible for the Ryder Cup.
“Wanted to confirm that I will not be a part of LIV 2.0,” the world No 26 posted on Instagram. “A big thank you to everyone for their continued support. I am excited for what the next chapter of my career holds. Looking forward to seeing you all in Abu Dhabi.”
Hatton’s decision is by no means a surprise. In August, Telegraph Sport exclusively revealed that Jon Rahm was almost certain to quit LIV and that Hatton, his Ryder Cup partner and LIV team-mate, was expected to follow suit. Rahm’s departure was made clear by his lawyer two weeks ago.
Like Hatton, the Spaniard will also play in the Abu Dhabi Championship next month and by then, the golf world should know whether LIV will be able to reemerge from the bankruptcy process it is going through.
In this regard, Bryson DeChambeau remains the key player. If the American sticks to his former pronouncements and does sign up for LIV 2.0, the league will have a chance of operating in the 2027 season, albeit in a reduced and much more frugal form.
It is understood that LIV can extend its signing-up deadline and after “Black Friday” it might believe that is imperative. Hatton’s statement did not thank LIV for his three seasons with the league, which is odd as he racked up more than £30m in on-course earnings, as well as the money he received up front.
His deal was believed to be worth more than £40m, although he has collected only £30m of this so far. Rahm has written off more than £100m in money owed to make a clean break and Hatton is anticipated to do the same.
Hatton has kept his DP World Tour card and will fancy his chances of regaining his PGA Tour playing privileges in the next year via the European order of merit.
Poulter might also play events on the DP World Tour as he still has status and can rejoin after settling his outstanding fines earlier this year. At 50, however, he is looking to wind down.
“I have decided to not move forward with being part of LIV 2.0,” Poulter posted on X. “Needless to say, it was a tough decision and one I thought about and discussed at length with my family and team.
“Ultimately, the opportunity to spend more time at home with my family, reduce international travel, focus on senior golf and have the opportunity to pursue other interests was something that I felt was right for me at this stage of my life and career.
“Clearly, LIV Golf has divided opinion, but to be part of the founding group that took world-class golf around the globe, showcased our great game to a new audience, built a team brand in Majesticks GC, helped innovate tournament formats and establish a leading community impact program in Little Sticks, is something I will be forever proud of.”