TAKING THE FIGHT TO AMERICA

Tyrrell Hatton is ready to help Europe retain the Ryder Cup on American soil

- KIT ALEXANDER

Tyrrell Hatton has fought his way to the top of the game. He didn’t have a particularly decorated amateur CV before starting his professional career at the bottom and earning his way up every rung of the ladder.

But here he is, ten years after turning pro, with seven wins on the European and PGA Tours, ranked England’s number one golfer and heading to his second Ryder Cup. The fighting spirit and talent that got him here is exactly why he will be an integral part of Team Europe at Whistling Straits, and for many matches to come.

Hatton was one of five European rookies in 2018 and started the week as the ninth highest-ranked of the 12 at 26th in the world. This time he’ll be one of the top three or four Europeans and much better known to American fans after a maiden PGA Tour win in the Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2020. His status in the game has risen significantly over the last three years, but it’s not something that’s made any difference to Hatton himself.

“It’s nice, but I don’t really think about that unless I’m asked the question,” Hatton says in his typically modest and unaffected manner. “It’s cool, but it doesn’t bring any added pressure. It’s not something I think about while I’m playing or trying to do well in a tournament.”

The man from Marlow, Buckinghamshire, played his way to Paris through the European points list, courtesy of a successful Dunhill Links Championship defence and an Italian Open title in back-to-back starts in October 2017, plus a T6th finish at the US Open the following year. He recorded one win and two losses from his three matches as Europe cantered to a 17.5-10.5 victory.