itstargetnews
Laura Davies believes Tyrrell Hatton has proven he is ready to win a major title this year after his success at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
Hatton wins first Rolex Series title since 2021 after perseverance New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier delivers thrilling finish on Sunday.
The 33-year-old is yet to compete seriously in one of golf’s four majors, but if his form continues he could be a big factor at the Masters in April, having also played on the LIV Tour last season Finished strongly and won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship for the third time.
“His game is in the right place. The next step is the majors. Is he ready to win a major? Absolutely,” Davis told sky sports golf.
“I tell you, Augusta, the way he drives, you have to think it suits him because he can hit the ball both ways if he wants to.
“The next step is the Grand Slams, there’s no doubt about that and I’m looking forward to seeing what he does this year.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Highlights from the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic
Hatton is playing in the LIV Golf League, so there are only four majors this year to earn more Ryder Cup qualifying points.
He has not lost a match in the 2023 Ryder Cup, earning 3.5 points and is likely to be part of Team Europe as either an automatic qualifier or Luke Donald’s captaincy option.
The top six players will automatically qualify for golf’s prestigious team event via a single Ryder Cup points table, with points awarded throughout the season leading up to the Ryder Cup in New York from September 26-28 – live streaming sky sports.
Hatton said: “This tournament and the four majors this year means a lot to me and I’m going to try and win as many points as possible to try and become an automatic qualifier, so it’s a step in the right direction. A big step forward.”
Davis: McIlroy will have big year
Rory McIlroy capped off 2024 by winning the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, the Race to Dubai and his sixth Harry Vardon Trophy.
McIlroy is desperate to end his wait for a major since 2014 after last year’s U.S. Open ended in heartbreak.
On Sunday, he improved the rankings from 12th to fourth in a dramatic final round of the first race of 2025. He failed to win the Dubai Desert Classic for the fifth time, but Davis believes McIlroy will gain confidence from his strong performance.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Rory McIlroy said winning the Seve Ballesteros Award was “a really good compliment” and shared the improvements he plans to make in 2025.
“He was rusty but finished fourth in a really good field. Guys like Jon Rahm missed the cut. It was a tough test and he hasn’t raced in a long time, which is It’s a good feeling,” she said.
“When he gets back on the PGA Tour and plays regularly, week in and week out, he’s going to iron out those little wrinkles.
Get the best deals and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland
“If his wedge play is as good as it was at the end of last season in Dubai, we know he missed the birdie putt, but he gave himself a lot of chances.
“He’s going to have a big year and I think Scottie Schaeffler and Xander Schauffele will probably have their hands full taking care of Rory this year.”
Watch the PGA Tour Farmers Insurance Open, starting on Wednesday, and the DP World Tour Ras Al Khaimah Championship, starting on Thursday, live on Sky Sports Golf. Stream PGA Tour, DP World Tour, Majors and more with NOW
