Tyrrell Hatton has been backed by fellow golfer Romain Langasque after the Englishman was criticised for breaking his club during the third round of the DP World Tour Championship on Saturday.
Hatton's behaviour on the course once again took centre stage over his performance in Dubai, as the LIV Golf star's frustrations got the better of him during moving day.
After laying up at the par-five 14th, Hatton missed the green with his third shot and, clearly unhappy, he vented his anger on his club. As soon as the ball left the club, the European Ryder Cup player was visibly upset with his effort and proceeded to push the club head into the ground, snapping the shaft in two.
Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray immediately condemned Hatton's actions, saying: "Oh no. It is time for change I am afraid,"
The criticism did not stop there for the Legion XIII member though, as the 33-year-old's actions were then called out by Sky pundit - and former Ryder Cup captain - Paul McGinley.
McGinley said: "That is a terrible influence on the next generation. I am sorry to say and I am his biggest fan as a golfer."
As footage of the club break was replayed, Murray added: "Just have a look at this. Why? Why would you do that?" McGinley continued: "Tyrrell is not the bad guy he comes across here.
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"But his behaviour is not acceptable from what we have seen. I think tonight when he cools down, and his team and wife have words with him, there will be a lot of humble pie.
"He will be really embarrassed with what he did today and how behaved.
"He will know, you almost hit rock bottom before you decide you have got to do something about this, and I think this could be a day where he realises, 'You know, I have got to change. This is not acceptable.'"
Despite Hatton's actions receiving criticism, his fellow golfer Langasque has offered support. Langasque disagreed, stating on X: "Don't agree with Even. Being human is part of our game.
"This sport [pushes] your limit and sometimes you have to do this kind of thing. Tyrrell is Great for the game of golf!"
Hatton's frustrations were also on display at the Earth Course's 18th hole on Friday, where he was overheard expressing his discontent to his caddie: "Everything about this hole I despise. A truly awful golf hole."
Despite a week marred by controversy and drama, Hatton remains in contention for his second DP World Tour title in three starts.
The LIV star was just three shots adrift of leaders Rory McIlroy, Antoine Rozner and Rasmus Hojgaard as they headed into the final round on Sunday.
