TYRRELL HATTON

Ryder Cup star Tyrrell Hatton has his eyes set on a seventh career DP World Tour title as he tees it up at this week’s Horizon Irish Open.

The Englishman has enjoyed a positive season so far with eight top ten finishes to his name in 2023 including a lucrative second place finish at the Players Championship.

However, the 31-year-old is still hopeful of clinching a victory before the year’s end as he returns to the K Club, a venue he’s enjoyed success at previously.

The six-time DP World Tour champion finished in a share of fifth place when the event was last held at the Co. Kildare venue back in 2016.

“I’m very excited to return to Ireland later this year,” said Hatton. “It has always been a great event to play in and I have some great memories of The K Club after my good result in 2016.”

This week will mark the seventh time Hatton’s teed it up in Ireland’s national open, with his best finish coming back in 2015.

The former EuroPro Tour player secured a T-4 finish on one under par that week at Royal County Down, just a shot behind winner Søren Kjeldsen. He’ll be looking to go one better this week.

The Key to Consistency

The two-time Ryder Cupper has been one of the most consistent players in the world for a number of seasons now, but has taken it up a notch in 2023.

He started the season as world number 26, and is currently pushing to break back into the top ten for the first time since the summer of 2021.

But what’s been the catalyst of this latest improvement in the Englishman’s game?

“I think most of my game has been fairly consistent,” said Hatton. “I’ve been driving the ball quite nicely, which goes a long way, and yeah, holing a few putts.

“I’ve been doing more off the golf course this year in terms of training and stuff, and that’s been nice to sort of show some positive results on the golf course.

“It’s just generally feeling better in myself. Training helps with career longevity and things like that, but my main goal was really to be a bit more comfortable in my own skin.”

Ryder Cup Goals

While the Horizon Irish Open remains a prestigious event in its own right, many Europeans also have an eye on the upcoming Ryder Cup.

This year’s tournament is being touted as transitional year for Team Europe, however, Hatton will provide some much-needed experience having been part of two sides previously.

The 2013 Challenge Tour player secured a vital point as Thomas Bjørn’s side won at Le Golf National in 2018, while he was also one of Europe’s better performers in defeat two years ago.

He’s hoping to be able to play crucial role as Luke Donald’s side look to reclaim the trophy and retain their unbeaten streak on home soil.

“They’re incredibly special weeks,” added Hatton. “I loved both weeks, although, yeah, it wasn’t fun losing at Whistling Straits.

“Still, just being in a team and what you’re playing for, that’s what makes it so special.

“I think everyone that was on the team at Whistling Straits that’s going to hopefully be in the team this time around would like to win the Ryder Cup back, and yeah, it would be pretty special to do it in Rome.”