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Tyrrell Hatton is expected to defect to LIV Golf in a new wave of departures
Tyrrell Hatton, currently ranked 16th in the world, is poised to join the growing list of high-profile golfers making the switch to LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed breakaway series that is actively recruiting talent from the PGA Tour. Hatton, an Englishman who partnered with Jon Rahm at the Ryder Cup last year, is likely to follow Rahm’s lead in joining the new series. Additionally, Adrian Meronk, who narrowly missed out on being selected for Team Europe in Rome, is expected to be officially announced as a new recruit for LIV Golf. Meronk withdrew from the ongoing Farmers Insurance Open, citing illness.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Tyrrell Hatton, who had reservations about switching to LIV Golf to avoid dropping out of the world’s top 50 and missing out on future majors, might reconsider with an improved offer. The report suggests that an enhanced proposal could be enticing enough for Hatton to make the move. The team that Jon Rahm will join in the 54-hole competition is yet to be confirmed, and Hatton’s potential switch could lead to a reunion of their successful Ryder Cup partnership.
On another note, Adrian Meronk is expected to be part of the “Cleeks” team, captained by German Martin Kaymer. The departure of the 30-year-old Hatton is seen as a setback for the DP World Tour, especially considering he was named player of the year for 2023 by his peers and received the prestigious Seve Ballesteros Award.
Discussions are ongoing between LIV Golf and the two major golf tours regarding a potential partnership or merger. The upcoming third season of the LIV Golf League, funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is set to commence in Mayakoba, Mexico, on February 4.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, the league remains focused on recruiting top players in the golfing world. Recently, Tommy Fleetwood, a fellow countryman of Hatton, disclosed that he had turned down a renewed offer from LIV. Fleetwood commented during the Dubai Desert Classic, stating that players have been approached for a significant period, and it’s not surprising news. He acknowledged that some players may choose to join while others won’t. Fleetwood, like others, is awaiting further developments to see if they will eventually play together or not.
