Tyrrell Hatton Recalls Dark, Devastating Phase After LIV Golf Switch: ‘Everyone’s Just So Negative’

Tyrrell Hatton dramatically switched to LIV Golf weeks after claiming he was happy staying on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour in January this year. The Englishman spoke to a number of his predecessors on the Saudi-backed side before the switch. Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, and, of course, Jon Rahm. Although Rory McIlroy accepted his decision, golf fans on social media were ruthless, dubbing him a sellout and betrayer.

Speaking about a month later in the Fairway to Heaven podcast, the British pro-called X a cesspool of negativity. However, the six-time DP World Tour winner had one simple step to counter that. 

Tyrrell Hatton knew what was coming and took preventive measures

The British pro knew the negative comments on social media platforms were a given. After all, Ian Poulter told him that he was “looking like a Swiss cheese” after joining the Greg Norman-fronted side. The first converts—on both sides of the Atlantic—had it worse, the World No. 17 admitted.

Hatton said, “I deleted Twitter. I mean, I don’t really like social media. Anyway, to be honest, I think that’s too negative for me.” The golf pro was linked with LIV Golf right after Rahm’s switch. However, the 32-year-old teed up at the Sentry and the Sony Open in Hawaii before traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Asked about the rumors at that time, Hatton said, “I’d say there’s (sic) several people who have had conversations [with LIV]. I think that’s part and parcel of golf at the moment, but I’m quite happy playing the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.” So, Hatton’s decision to join Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII days later riled a section of the fans.

Regardless, Hatton feels that’s very typical of social media channels nowadays. The LIV Golf Pro added, “Twitter’s just, no one seems to have anything good to say, no matter (what). Now, when the tour and even like, comments on the PGA Tour and all that kind of stuff. It’s all it’s just, everyone’s just so negative.”

However, Tyrrell Hatton was no stranger to online censure. His on-course antics and cursing at the Scottish Open last year sparked much controversy. That hasn’t stopped me from chasing him at LIV Golf as well.

How is life on the other side for the Englishman?

Hatton has maintained a top-20 finish in each of his first three outings at LIV Golf. Following a T8 at Mayakoba, the British Ryder Cup began with a T12 in Las Vegas. In his last outing, the one-time PGA Tour winner was placed 15th on the LIV Golf Jeddah leaderboard. Ironically, more than his performance, his hot-mic blowups have taken center stage.

Read More: Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton Boldy Admit PGAT-DP World Cravings After Breaking Rory McIlroy’s Heart

Tyrell Hatton was a little concerned in his first press conference at LIV Golf upon hearing that LIV fines players for cursing on the course. In reality, that was not the case, much to his relief. Last month, the 32-year-old was caught cursing many times. “So many times… F**k these greens,” Hatton cried out at Vegas after his putt veered towards the right of the hole.

His NSFW rant once again left the Internet divided on whether he crossed the line or not. Some were willing to cut him some slack, while others pointed out that Hatton should get a hold of himself. Regardless, one thing is clear: here on LIV, the Englishman seems freer!