The journey from rumor to headline is almost a rite of passage for top golfers these days, especially when it involves LIV Golf’s enticing offers. Tyrrell Hatton’s path was no different. After months of whispers, the English golfer took the plunge, joining LIV Golf by January 2024, being the highlight in every golf news.

The reported deal? A staggering $65 million, according to The Telegraph. This decision was a big one for the 33-year-old. Sure, he’s now set to earn nearly three times his career winnings just by joining LIV. However, everything comes at a cost. Now the golfer won’t be able to participate in Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s inaugural TGL season anymore as only PGA Tour players are invited. That decision stings, particularly as Tyrrell Hatton has been the highest-ranked British golfer to join LIV.

When you look at his career, it’s clear Hatton’s already proven himself. With six wins on the DP World Tour and one on the PGA Tour, he’s a known name, though it’s been three years since his last individual tournament victory. Still, he showed promise in 2023, especially with a runner-up finish at the Players Championship.

His form suggested there was more to come, but his shift to LIV might signal that his ambitions have grown beyond just trophies. And here’s where things get interesting: he’s not the only European star to make this leap. The influence of Jon Rahm looms large. Rahm’s massive $450 million deal with LIV reportedly played a huge role in Hatton’s decision

Jon Rahm apparently influenced Tyrrell Hatton to join LIV Golf

Hatton’s move to LIV Golf is the latest in a series of surprising defections, and it seems Jon Rahm had a big role in sealing the deal. These two weren’t just partners at the last Ryder Cup they were a show on their own, earning the nickname “Team Angry” thanks to their passionate (and sometimes heated) outbursts during the matches. They took down Team USA in Rome, and fans loved every second of it. But now, with both Hatton and Rahm in LIV, they’re off the Ryder Cup roster for now, at least until this ongoing merger drama between LIV, the PGA, and DP World Tours is finally sorted.

While Hatton’s departure took many fans aback, Sky Sports’ Jamie Weir wasn’t. “When Jon Rahm announced that he would be joining LIV, we also reported on that occasion that his No. 1 target to join him on his new team, which is called Legion XIII, was Hatton and now he has got his target,” Weir said.

As per Telegraph’s reports, Tyrrell Hatton rejected an offer from LIV made previously, but later he agreed to an updated offer after having a word with Rahm on call. It seems Rahm’s persuasion and perhaps the chance to join his team sealed the deal. Having big names like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton onboard for LIV isn’t just about filling rosters; it’s about creating a lineup that could draw in more fans and elevate the competition level.

But what does all this mean for the traditional tours? With more stars switching over, the PGA and DP World Tours may be feeling the pressure. As golfers like Hatton leave, it raises some big questions about the future of established tournaments. Are we seeing the start of a major shift in professional golf, or will the traditional tours find a way to hold their ground? Only time will tell, but LIV’s influence is certainly making waves.