Golf — Saudi International: I can hold my own, says Abu Dhabi Champion Tyrrell Hatton
Englishman up against legend Phil Mickelson and world No. 1 Dustin Johnson
Dubai: Tyrrell Hatton is in a happy place now that he has another title in the bag.
The Englishman was famous (infamous) for his tirades on the fairway, but a triumph at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship has put a smile back on his face.
“I have my zone back now and I am in a happy place,” Hatton said ahead of the Saudi International, which begins on Thursday. “Golf is frustrating. It absolutely can be enraging. Everyone can lose their cool in a single moment. But I keep my cool now and know how to win.”
Hatton has had a brilliant start to the year, claiming the Abu Dhabi title Abu Dhabi and then hit a personal-best 64 at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Day 2 to keep him in form.
“It was incredible to start with a win in Abu Dhabi,” he said. “Dubai didn’t work out, but as we were 115th on Day 1, and then to be tied-22nd by the end, I guess, you wold say it was brilliant.”
Hatton also has an eye on a second Ryder Cup appearance in the US come September. He was part of the victorious 2020 European Ryder Cup team under captain Thomas Bjorn and is in prime position this time around with Padraig Harrington at the helm.
“I have a funny way of doing things,” Hatton said. “The Ryder Cup in Paris never crossed my mind last time out. No pressure. I say to the young guys to play your own game and you will make the team.”
Hatton admitted that being part of the party in Paris was something that he will keep forever.
“It was an unforgettable experience. There is no reason why I cant kick on and do it again.”
Looking ahead to the Saudi International Hatton added: “This is my first time and will not see the back nine until tomorrow when I play the pro-am. It is a new course and a new experience, but I have won in Abu Dhabi and hit a 64 in Dubai.
Hatton will be up against world No. 1 Dustin Johnson, multiple major winner Phil Mickelson and hot-property Bryson, DeChambeau
“It is a world-class field and I have proved how to beat a world-class field,” said Hatton. “It not intimidating as I know how to win. We have DJ and Phil this week, but I can hold my own.”