Ryder Cup star Tyrrell Hatton set to become latest high-profile LIV Golf defection after signing £50m deal

29/01/2024 11:49

Tyrrell Hatton is reportedly set to become the latest high-profile golfer to join LIV Golf after he agreed a deal worth up to £50 million.

Hatton, ranked No.16 in the Official World Golf Ranking, looks set to link up with Ryder Cup partner Jon Rahm who made the switch to the Saudi-backed circuit in December for an eye-watering deal worth more than $300m.

The Englishman was set to compete on the PGA Tour this week at Pebble Beach but will now withdraw from that competition and move to LIV on the eve of their third season which begins Mexico on Friday, according to The Telegraph.

Hatton confirmed earlier in the month at the Dubai Desert Classic that he had been approached by LIV to join Jon Rahm's new team but hinted he would not be jumping ship.

His rumoured switch will cast doubt on his Ryder Cup eligibility for 2025 and will be another especially large blow to captain Luke Donald.

Rahm and Hatton enjoyed a hugely successful partnership in the last edition, which Europe comfortably won, with the pair winning both matches they played together.

Yet, with the duo now plying their trade on the 54-hole circuit, their ability to play DP World Tour events and, therefore, make themselves available for Ryder Cup selection is a huge doubt.

Hatton may also face the prospect of missing out on this year's major championships as a result of his move.

At present, LIV does not receive ranking points, meaning if Hatton slips out of the world's top 50 he would not automatically qualify for golf's four biggest tournaments.

Such a prospect is said to be why negotiations with the Englishman were so drawn out but an improved offer in the last few weeks has reportedly convinced the 32-year-old to take that risk.

LIV is set to announce Hatton's signing ahead of their third season this week. He will likely be joined by four-time DP World Tour winner Adrian Meronk, who has reportedly also agreed a deal.

These latest signings while the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which bankrolls LIV, are still locked in negotiations.

An agreement had hoped to be reached before the end of 2023 but the deadline has since been extended into 2024. Such a deal could allow the likes of Rahm and Hatton to return to the PGA Tour in the future.

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