Tyrrell Hatton has been backed by Romain Langasque after he was criticized for breaking his club during the third round of the DP World Tour Championship on Saturday. Hatton’s antics on the course once again stole the spotlight from his performance in Dubai, as the LIV Golf star’s frustrations reached a boiling point on moving day.
After laying up at the par-five 14th, Hatton missed the green with his third shot and, clearly displeased, vented his anger on his club. As soon as the ball left the club, the European Ryder Cup star was visibly upset with his attempt and proceeded to push the club head into the ground, snapping the shaft in two.
Golf commentator Ewen Murray immediately criticized Hatton, saying, “Oh no. It is time for change I am afraid,” and added, “That is a terrible influence on the next generation. I am sorry to say and I am his biggest fan as a golfer.”
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As footage of the club break was shown on screen, Murray continued: “Just have a look at this. Why? Why would you do that.” The criticism didn’t end there for the Legion XIII member, as the 33 year old’s actions were also called out by Sky pundit – and former Ryder Cup captain – Paul McGinley. McGinley commented, “Tyrrell is not the bad guy he comes across here.
“But his behavior is not acceptable from what we have seen. I think tonight when he cools down, and his team and wife have words with him, there will be a lot of humble pie. He will be really embarrassed with what he did today and how behaved.
“He will know, you almost hit rock bottom before you decide you have got to do something about this, and I think this could be a day where he realizes, ‘You know, I have got to change. This is not acceptable’.”
Despite McGinley’s remarks, Hatton received support from his peer Langasque. After witnessing the criticism from commentator Murray, Langasque voiced his disagreement on social media: “Don’t agree with Even. Being human is part of our game. This sport [pushes] your limit and sometimes you have to do this kind of thing. Tyrrell is Great for the game of golf!”
It’s not the first instance of Hatton showing his temper; at the Earth Course’s 18th hole on Friday, Hatton vented his frustration to his caddie, remarking, “Everything about this hole I despise. A truly awful golf hole.”
Despite a week filled with controversy and drama, Hatton is still in the running for his second DP World Tour title in three starts. The LIV star is just three shots behind leaders Rory McIlroy, Antoine Rozner, and Rasmus Hojgaard as they head into Sunday’s final round.
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