In the third round of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, English golfer Tyrrell Hatton shocked fans with an unexpected miss of a one-foot putt. Known for his dependable putting, Hatton had just narrowly missed a birdie attempt on the fourth hole, which could have tied him for the lead with Rory McIlroy and Rasmus Hojgaard.
The missed par putt stunned the audience and commentators alike, as it seemed a routine tap-in. The ball lipped out, leaving Hatton visibly dismayed. Sky Sports cameras, having assumed the putt was a formality, switched focus before capturing his reaction, leaving viewers with the sound of astonished commentary.
Fans quickly reacted online, with one remarking on the missed opportunity to capture Hatton’s signature fiery response. Social media buzzed with comments about his temper, with some poking fun at his affiliation with LIV Golf. Observers speculated that such a lapse might have critical implications for his performance in the tournament. The miss became a central talking point as it showcased how even the smallest errors can alter the dynamics of professional golf.
Hatton’s frustration continued to manifest later in the round, most notably when he snapped a club in half on the par-5 14th hole after a poor iron shot. Veteran commentator Ewan Murray criticized the incident, expressing concern about the example Hatton sets for aspiring golfers. The outburst added to his reputation for fiery on-course behavior, which, while entertaining, often overshadows his skill. Murray’s remarks reflected a broader unease about Hatton’s temper and its impact on his image.
This was not the first instance of Hatton’s volatile demeanor during the tournament. On Friday, he vocally criticized the 18th hole, calling it a “truly awful golf hole” despite its reputation as relatively forgiving. This critique gained attention as the hole was designed by Greg Norman, the CEO of Hatton’s own LIV Golf organization. Such remarks highlighted Hatton’s candidness but also hinted at potential tensions within his golfing affiliations.
As the championship heads into its final round, Hatton remains in contention, sitting in fourth place at eight-under-par. He trails leader Rasmus Hojgaard (12-under), Rory McIlroy (11-under), and Antoine Rozner (10-under). Despite his dramatic moments, Hatton’s skill keeps him in the hunt, though the missed putt and fiery incidents may loom large as pivotal moments shaping his performance in the prestigious tournament.
