Tyrrell Hatton has been branded a “terrible influence” after breaking a club and making crude complaints about course conditions during the third round of the DP World Tour Championship.
Hatton reacted angrily after missing a short birdie putt on the 11th hole at Jumeirah Golf Estates, clearly exclaiming “F*** you, f****** s*** greens” and hitting his putter on the green.
The LIV Golf player then broke one of his wedges after missing the green on his approach to the par-five 14th, although he birdied a 71 that left him three points ahead shared by Rory McIlroy, Rasmus Hojgaard and Antoine. Rozner.
Responding to the latest in a long line of displays of petulance from Hatton, veteran Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray said: “Oh no, no. It’s time for a change, I’m afraid.
“What a terrible influence on the next generation. I’m sorry to say, I’m his biggest supporter as a golfer. But take a look at this. For what? Why would you do that? We all had our moments but he had too many.
Co-commentator and former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley agreed with Murray, adding: “I think we’re all on the same page on that.
“The embarrassment he’s going to have this week with some of the things that happened with him might just force and spark change.
“Because he’s a guy who’s had an excellent run in recent weeks, remember. He won the Dunhill, second last week (in Abi Dhabi), and he’s strong again this week and it’s not like he’s having a bad time in his game.”
A DP World Tour spokesperson told the PA news agency: “Tyrrell Hatton’s behavior breached the DP World Tour code of conduct as part of the general membership regulations and he will therefore be fined . »
Hatton’s antics threatened to overshadow a thrilling third round in which Hojgaard made a remarkable par at the 18th, McIlroy birdied the same hole and his playing partner Rozner then holed a seven-footer for a eagle.
Hojgaard drove into the creek that divides the fairway, then cut his third shot almost out of bounds, but managed to get away from a metal fence and eventually holed from 20 feet to complete a 66 with his 10th straight par .
“It looked more like an eight at one point,” admitted the 23-year-old, who edged out McIlroy to win the Irish Open in September and is trying to succeed his twin brother Nicolai to win the late event seasonal.
“We talked about it earlier this week about how cool it would be, another Hojgaard could defend the title,” he added.
McIlroy effectively sealed his third consecutive Race to Dubai title and sixth overall with his only challenger, Thriston Lawrence, 17th looking for the victory he needed to have a chance at the top of the list. ‘money.
“Starting Thursday with a 67, I was firmly focused on winning the tournament,” McIlroy said.
“I put myself in a good position to do it tomorrow and my goal is to be on that 18th green with two trophies instead of one.
“I was with one of the Hojgaard brothers on the 18th green last year, I hope I won’t be there with the other one tomorrow!”