Rory McIlroy suffers main LIV Golf blow as Ryder Cup pal set for Saudi change

Rory McIlroy is ready to lose one more Ryder Cup teammate to LIV Golf, with Tyrrell Hatton anticipated to grow to be the newest star to make the Saudi change. Since forming in June 2022, the LIV setup has been in a position to lure in a few of Europe’s greatest names with its mega-money contracts.

Four of McIlroy’s closest allies in Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood had been a part of the primary wave of massive names to defect. In the aftermath there isn’t a doubt the Northern Irishman’s relationship along with his former Ryder Cup teammates has been dented too, amid his anti-LIV stance.

One of the newest who additionally adopted swimsuit was LIV’s greatest coup but, after Jon Rahm signed a deal value a reported £450 million final month. Alongside McIlroy, Rahm helped lead Europe to an emphatic 16.5-11.5 Ryder Cup win over the Americans final October.

Just eight weeks later, Rahm opted to comply with within the footsteps of Poulter and co, which little question have been a troublesome tablet to swallow for McIlroy. With the opening LIV occasion of the yr only one week away, it seems McIlroy is ready to lose one other pal too in Hatton.

According to Sports Illustrated, the Englishman’s transfer to the breakaway league is alleged to be ‘close’ however is but to be accomplished. Hatton’s resolution can have come as a shock to many, after he revealed ultimately week’s Dubai Desert Classic – gained by McIlroy – that he was blissful as he was on the PGA and DP World Tours.

Speaking days in the past, he advised reporters: “I’m quite happy playing the PGA Tour and DP World Tour,” asked if this meant he would not be leaving the two circuits, he added: “As of right now, yeah.”

Hatton did nevertheless verify that discussions had been held with LIV bosses. He commented: “I’d say there’s a number of individuals who have had conversations [with LIV]. I feel that’s half and parcel of golf for the time being however I’m fairly blissful taking part in the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.