Tyrrell Hatton is on track to complete his four-event quota, ensuring his continued membership of the DP World Tour after winning the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Hatton, now a three-time champion of the tournament, had returned to compete on some of Scotland's most iconic courses, where he triumphed consecutively in 2016 and 2017. This comeback is significant as the English golfer is playing for his future in the Ryder Cup.
Earlier this year, Hatton became one of the prominent figures to switch to LIV Golf, following European teammate Jon Rahm into Legion XIII just before the start of the 2024 LIV season.
His allegiance to the new league meant that his commitments to the DP World Tour had been limited, jeopardising his membership with the Wentworth-based circuit. Fears were raised that Hatton might lose his place on the members' list, and consequently his opportunity to participate in the 2025 Ryder Cup.
This concern arises because all DP World Tour members must play at least four events annually to retain their Tour card, which is a prerequisite for making the European Ryder Cup team. Before his move to Saudi Arabia, Hatton took part in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, but that was his only competition until the end of August.
Hatton managed to return to the DP World Tour after appealing against fines and suspensions imposed on him for participating in 'conflicting' events on the LIV setup. This allowed Hatton to compete in the remaining starts needed to complete his four-event tally.
After playing in Dubai in January, Hatton participated in his second event seven months later at the Betfred British Masters. He then made a third start earlier this month, joining his Legion XIII teammate, Jon Rahm at the Spanish Open, where he finished tied for 10th place.
His crucial fourth start came this week when he played across St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns alongside his father, Jeff in the Pro-Am event. However, there is still one potential question mark surrounding his Ryder Cup future, which centres around Hatton's appeal against his punishments.
It is yet to be determined when this appeal will be resolved, and whether this will occur after next Autumn's Ryder Cup to allow Hatton and his teammates to concentrate on their performance on the course. Hatton's ally, Rahm, is also in the same predicament but still needs to complete one more event, which is expected to take place at the Andalucia Masters in two weeks.
He also decided to challenge his penalties, making it clear he doesn't intend to pay up. Rahm expressed back in September: "I'm not a big fan of the fines. I think I've been outspoken about that. I don't intend to pay the fines, and we keep trying to have a discussion with them about how we can make this happen."
