Tyrrell Hatton made headlines at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai for criticizing the course architecture, specifically the design of the 18th hole at the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Despite being just one shot off the lead, Hatton found the 611-yard par-5 to be particularly challenging during the second round. The hole features fairway bunkers and a creek that splits the fairway, making it a difficult three-shotter that played over par on Friday. Despite hitting a good drive of 296 yards, Hatton was frustrated with the forced carry over the creek and the uphill approach shot into the green.
Hatton expressed his disdain for the hole, calling it “truly awful” and lamenting having to play a 9-iron for his second shot into a par-5 after hitting a great drive. He criticized the setup of the hole, especially considering that the tee box had been moved back 30 yards from the previous round, making the second shot longer and more challenging. Hatton ultimately made par on the hole, but he felt that the course favored only a select few players, including his playing partner Rory McIlroy, who was able to reach the green in two shots and make an easy birdie to tie him.
Some may argue that Hatton should improve his distance off the tee to match players like McIlroy, but Hatton is already a solid player off the tee, hitting the ball five yards longer than the PGA Tour average and being above average in driving accuracy. He simply wants to be rewarded with the opportunity to go for the green when he hits a good drive. While there is no rule in golf that mandates eagle opportunities, it has become a staple of modern pro golf, and the course setup at the DP World Tour Championship may hinder Hatton’s chances of competing with players like McIlroy.
Ironically, the course architect responsible for the design of the 18th hole at the Earth Course is Greg Norman, who also serves as the commissioner of the newly formed LIV Golf. Hatton’s criticism raises questions about the balance between challenging course setups and providing players with opportunities for birdies and eagles. While it is acceptable for a par-5 to play closer to a score of five, the context of the setup is crucial in ensuring fairness and competitiveness among players. It remains to be seen how Hatton’s comments will impact his performance over the weekend and whether the course conditions will play a determining factor in the tournament’s outcome.
