Tyrell Hatton Wins Fifth Rolex Event to Climb into the Top Ten in the World Rankings

It’s been a year to remember for Tyrell Hatton. Exactly one year ago he made the controversial decision to leave the PGA Tour and join up with Jon Rahm on the LIV Tour.

A winner in his debut season, Hatton has remained committed to the DP World Tour and after winning a third Alfred Dunhill Links Championship he has added yet another premier DP World Tour title by claiming the Dubai Desert Classic. 

Hatton’s latest victory is huge, not only will it see him climb inside the top ten in the world rankings, it reinforces his value to Luke Donald ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup and more importantly for him ensures that he will have a spot in all four majors this year. 

Lets recap how he did it and look at some of the other headlines to emerge from the DP World Tour’s season opener. 

Hatton overcomes one shot deficit to win his second DP World Title in last three months

When Tyrell Hatton made the controversial decision to join the breakaway LIV Tour, many were curious over the decision. With his place not assured in all four majors for 2025, Hatton has played more golf than most as he has kept up his DP World Tour responsibilities to bolster his ranking. 

Although many were fearful that Hatton’s game may slide because of joining LIV, it can’t be argued that his game hasn’t greatly improved since he made the switchover.  

Trailing Daniel Hillier by one stroke heading into today’s final round, Hatton’s round got off to the worst possible start with a bogey on the opening hole, but despite being one of the most vocal players in all of professional golf, Hatton showed how strong between the ears he is when posting three birdies in his next six holes. 

With Hatton right in the mix, his back nine was a lot more steady. A birdie on the tenth hole was cancelled out with a bogey on the twelfth, however with none of his rivals able to make the birdies that they needed and a final birdie on the 16th was enough to secure the victory. 

Upon reflecting on his victory, the Englishman stated, ‘I was nervous on the back nine and it was a bit scruffy at the last. But it feels amazing. I said earlier in the week that this is an event you would love to have on your CV so to add my name to the list of amazing champions is a dream come true.’

Hatton over the last few months has shown what a talent he is and he will be hopeful that this season not only will he be a force on the LIV Tour but he will hope to be a contender for all four majors.

Rory McIlroy records yet another top ten finish


Rory McIlroy records yet another top ten finish, Tom McKibbin shows his talents 

Although Hatton will rightly take all of the attention following his victory, there are plenty of others who will be thrilled with how they started the season. 

Rory McIlroy is a regular at this event and the four time major champion recorded his tenth successive top ten finish. Unable to make major inroads in his first three rounds, McIlroy went on one of his customary final round charges as he surged up the leaderboard in the final round. 

Coming alive on the back nine, he posted five birdies on his final nine holes of the week to finish in a tie for fourth. 

McIlroy’s fourth place finish is just what he does when he competes on the European Tour and is a prime reason why he has won three consecutive Race to Dubai crowns. Once again, McIlroy has started his campaign to win this year’s Race to Dubai title well and few would bet against him winning a fourth consecutive title.

The other man making headlines before a ball had been hit was fellow Northern Irishman, Tom McKibbin. Still in the early years of his career, McKibbin has made waves for reportedly being close to joining the LIV Tour.

Some were critical of McKibbin’s decision particularly as he had worked so hard to earn a spot on the PGA Tour. 

When the talking had stopped and McKibbin was able to get out onto the course he showed exactly why so many rate him so highly. 

Posting three rounds of 69, McKibbin was able to showcase his entire suite of skills and it’s fair to say that he lived up to the hype. Finishing in a tie for sixth, the future sure looks bright and it will be fascinating to see how he settles into life in his new surroundings.

Tom McKibbin shows his talents


Big guns fail to fire 

Although many would have been happy with how they started their seasons, there were a couple of big guns who failed to fire in Dubai. 

Jon Rahm had a poor first half of the season in 2024 and his 2025 very much mirrored what happened twelve months ago. Looking rusty and out of sorts, the former Masters Champion failed to make the weekend and he will hope that won’t be an omen of his season to come. 

He was a non factor in all four majors last year and although he was crowned the individual LIV champion, he will want to leave more of a dent in the games biggest tournaments this season. 

Another man who will leave Dubai scratching his head is Viktor Hovland. Although the Norwegian came on strong during the final few weeks of the PGA Tour, his swing largely deserted him in 2024 and his new swing that he has worked hard on during the offseason didn’t yet look complete. 

Hovland has a battle on his hands if he is to retake his seat at the game’s top table and he will hope that his slow start to 2025 is just a blip and he will be more of a contender as 2025 continues to roll on.