Tyrrell Hatton shared that he outperformed a surprised Rory McIlroy at the Dubai Desert Classic after gaining weight from indulging in wine and Guinness over the Christmas period. The LIV Golf player humorously described his struggles during the opening round, joking about feeling as rigid as the Titanic in the damp January weather.
During their round together, Hatton disclosed that their conversation revolved around the quality of wine they enjoyed over the holidays rather than the fines related to playing on the Saudi-backed tour. He humorously mentioned McIlroy’s shock upon learning his weight gain, weighing in at 204 pounds on January 1st, a significant increase from before the Ryder Cup.
Acknowledging his festive indulgences, Hatton mentioned his lack of cardio, extensive drinking, and even having a Guinness tap at home for enjoyment. He humorously referred to his plan to shed some weight during “damp January” by hitting the gym and cutting back on alcohol, albeit reluctantly.
Known for his fondness for drinks, Hatton shared anecdotes about his past experiences, including enjoying multiple Guinnesses a night during previous events. Despite his conditioning not being at its peak, Hatton managed to score decently in his first competitive round of 2026.
Reflecting on his performance, Hatton admitted feeling rusty and stiff on the course, attributing it to his limited recent play. He expressed determination to improve his game despite the challenges he faced during the tournament.
McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, who played alongside Hatton, focused on golf rather than discussing fines imposed by the DP World Tour. Meanwhile, Poland’s Adrian Meronk echoed dissatisfaction with the fines imposed on players participating in conflicting golf tours, calling for a fair resolution between the different golf circuits.