British golfing icon Sir Nick Faldo has unleashed a scathing critique of the LIV Golf league even as he welcomed Tyrell Hatton to the British Masters.
The 32 year old Ryder Cup veteran made headlines with his switch to the Saudi-backed circuit earlier this year, penning a deal reportedly worth £50 million to join the ranks of Legion XIII, led by fellow defector Jon Rahm . Hatton is ramping up his campaign for another Ryder Cup berth next year and is participating in his first DP World Tour event since his controversial move to LIV.
As host of the British Masters, Faldo couldn't resist taking a swipe at Hatton's decision, questioning the competitive integrity of the LIV Golf league. In a pointed comment, Faldo expressed his pleasure at Hatton's participation, stating: "I'm delighted. [He] wants to come play a proper tournament."
"I'm delighted he had such a significant part in the last Ryder Cup , I think he wants it. There is a path for them to do it," Faldo added, offering his best wishes to Hatton for the competition. "It's not for me to really be involved. If a guy wants to make the Ryder Cup team, good luck to him. Find a way to get on it."
Tyrrell Hatton is buzzing about his chances at the Belfry, eyeing a spot on Luke Donald's 2025 team. Speaking to Bunkered, he revealed: "Ryder Cup points start at the British Masters."
Hatton also noted the clash in schedules with LIV Golf events, saying: "The LIV events are the same period this year as Irish Open and Wentworth (the BMW Championship). Previously those would be two events I would be looking to play, but I haven't played the British Masters in a long time because it's always fallen on the FedEx Playoffs."
He lamented the scheduling conflicts that have kept him from certain tournaments, adding: "The schedule has stopped you playing certain events over the last few years, that's just where golf's been going. I'm obviously sad to miss Wentworth this year," expressing his affection for the tournament.
Yet, he's eager for the British Masters, stating: "That tournament is really special to me and I've said numerous times what that tournament means. I'm sad to miss it this year but I'm excited to play British Masters and obviously I have a good record at the Dunhill."
Looking ahead, Hatton shared his strategy: "My main aim with these three events is to earn some Ryder Cup points early but also to try and earn enough points to get me into Abu Dhabi and Dubai in November. That's hopefully where we finish the season."
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