A top-10 finish in the 2024 PGA Tour season. Six top-10 placements in the LIV Golf League after defecting. Yes, we are talking about none other than Tyrrell Hatton, the athlete who followed Jon Rahm into his Legions XIII GC in January. But despite these remarkable achievements, he still hasn’t managed to secure a spot on either team for the Presidents Cup. Why is that?

Unsurprisingly, the athlete is not eligible for the upcoming biennial tournament for several reasons. First and foremost, as per the criteria for the Presidents Cup International Team, the first six spots go to the top six eligible players on the OWGR standings following the end of the 2024 BMW Championship. However, these players must not be eligible for the European Ryder Cup team.

Currently ranked No. 36 and in pursuit of a spot on the 2025 Ryder Cup team, the English golfer is ineligible for the Presidents Cup squad. Moreover, even if he were of another nationality and ineligible to play on the European team for the biennial tournament, Tyrrell Hatton’s status as a LIV Golf pro essentially eliminates any chance of joining the Presidents Cup team.

“They are not going to be eligible,” disclosed Mike Weir, the skipper for the International team, when asked about the inclusion of LIV Golf pros in his squad. “I guess the flip side is they knew that when they left,” added the 54-year-old Canadian pro, “They weren’t gonna be part of that. I think some of that’s one of the reasons some guys struggled with going because they loved it so much and they want to be part of it.”

Although Weir confirmed that LIV Golf pros would be denied entry, he expressed optimism for a better future. “Certainly I want the best players internationally to be playing in this,” conveyed the professional. “Hopefully we come to a point that they are.” Even so, the likes of Tyrrell Hatton won’t be able to join the team due to his European nationality and his pursuit of the Ryder Cup.

Tyrrell Hatton and his aim to join the 2025 European Ryder Cup team

Under the new rules, a golfer must be European and a member of the DP World Tour to be eligible for the 2025 Ryder Cup. Qualification for the prestigious tournament is set to begin at the 2024 Betfred British Masters at the Belfry. Hatton, interestingly, teed up at the event in hopes of winning the DP World Tour ‘Global Series’ event and earning 1,000 points for the new Ryder Cup standings.

The European circuit allows its players to compete in LIV events provided they pay a fine and serve their suspensions. Hatton, however, appealed his suspension, which allowed him to play. Although the status of his fines is unclear, the Englishman has disclosed his plans to tee off at the upcoming Dunhill Links Championship and the Spanish Open. This would bring the total number of DP World Tour events he has played, excluding majors, to four.

Many fans are hopeful that the LIV Golf pro will qualify for the Ryder Cup, which will tee off in 2025 in the USA. But will he be able to do it? Tyrrell Hatton’s fans can only wait and watch as the European athlete gives his best in the upcoming events.