After Adrian Meronk’s defection speculations, one golfer has made his move real. Tyrrell Hatton is gearing up to join the PIF-backed league this week. The long-rumored LIV Golf deal has now become a reality, with a contract worth $60 million. As the news about his defection takes center stage, so does the curiosity about on-course relationships.

Hatton has made a name for himself after his many victories, which surely could not have been done without the support and guidance of his caddie. Meet the bagman of Hatton, a veteran caddie, Michael ‘Mike’ Donaghy.

Michael Donaghy on the greens with Tyrrell Hatton

Michael Donaghy was born in the country of Home of Golf, Scotland. Donaghy’s golf career started thirty years ago; he has caddied for many, and his latest man is Tyrrell Hatton. The duo met when, in 2019, Hatton parted ways with his long-time caddie, Mark Crane.

Crane has shifted to the bag of Alex Norani. From 2019 until now, Hatton and Donaghy have made many memorable moments by winning together and with their on-course banter. Donaghy’s professionalism and hard-earned experience of three decades come in handy when dealing with an angry bird on the golf course.

Hatton is known to be passionate when playing golf, and with Donaghy’s support, his game just elevates without getting distracted by emotions. The Englishman debuted in 2014 on the European stage and has had ten total career victories. Out of which, four were with Donaghy.

The first-ever win for Hatton with Donaghy on the bag was in November when he won the Turkish Airlines Open 20 under 268. The next year was the biggest for Donaghy, as, under his guidance, Hatton won the Arnold Palmer Invitation in March. After winning the event, Donaghy was called the “national treasure” by Hatton for his immense support on the field.

Donaghy has won two more events with Hatton on the DP World Tour, the latest being in 2021 at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Donaghy had always been in the bag of Hatton, but once in 2023, he had to be replaced.

Donaghy’s absence from the golf course because of an injury

In 2023, Mike Donaghy was suffering from an injured knee. Hatton described that “Mick is really struggling with his knee” and would be heading home to get a diagnosis and know about the next step.

After a month, Mike took a break from his caddie duties, and Brian ‘Bo’ Martin accompanied Hatton for two months. Donaghy was back on the Hatton’s bag after going through knee surgery. The first event after the surgery for Donaghy was the Genesis Scottish Open.

After Donaghy’s return, Hatton said, “It’s good to have Mick back. Have been working together since May 2019. I feel really comfortable with Mick, and we’ve had some weeks together.” Hatton’s on-course chemistry with Donaghy is great. As he says, even if he utters certain things, he doesn’t take them personally.

The 6x DP World Tour winner explained that everyone is different, but Mike “will give me a kick up the backside when I need it.” Hatton nearly got the kick in 2022 during the WGC-Dell Match Play. Hatton was playing against Daniel Berger. At the 12th fairway bunker, Hatton’s ball met with the sand.

Donaghy got confused about which ball was Hatton’s. With a fist, Donaghy screamed at the Englishman to come over to his side. After much protest from Donaghy’s side, Hatton gave in and came to get his clubs. Because of the slow play, Donaghy told the journalists surrounding him, “You wonder why I drink so much!”

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Moreover, while making his shot, Hatton exclaimed about having people on the path of his flight, to which Donaghy annoyingly replied, “I know there’s people; it’s a golf tournament.” The comic banter between the two is evidence of their closeness. Together, they are up to big things, even though Hatton has not had a single major in his career. But, that may just change soon! Stay tuned to find out!

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