British golf hero Sir Nick Faldo did not hold back as he appeared to give his view on LIV Golf with a savage remark as he spoke about countryman Tyrell Hatton appearing at the British Masters
Sir Nick Faldo did not hold back as he spoke about LIV Golf at the Betfred British Masters (
Image: Luke Walker/Getty Images)
British golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo has issued a savage criticism of the LIV Golf league as he heralded the arrival of defector Tyrell Hatton at the British Masters.
The 32-year-old, who has appeared for Team Europe at the Ryder Cup on three occasions, made the controversial move to the Saudi Arabian tour in January. The Englishman signed an agreement to the tune of a reported £50 million to join the Legion XIII team headed up by fellow rebel Jon Rahm.
Hatton is stepping up his efforts to qualify for another Ryder Cup appearance next year, by playing in his first DP World Tour event since his move to LIV. Ahead of the ace pitting his wits at the Belfry, the legendary Faldo could not help but make a dig at his countryman’s expense, however.
The three-time Masters champion was speaking in his capacity as host of the British Masters, where he dismissed the legitimacy of the LIV Golf league from a competitive standpoint. In a brutal remark, Faldo spoke of his joy at Hatton appearing, saying: “I’m delighted. [He] wants to come play a proper tournament.
“I’m delighted – he had such a significant part in the last Ryder Cup, I think he wants it. There is a path for them to do it,” he continued, wishing his compatriot well at the tournament. “It’s not for me to really be involved. If a guy wants to make the Ryder Cup team, good luck to him. Find a way to get on it.”
Meanwhile, Hatton has spoken with excitement ahead of playing at the Belfry as he looks to make a tilt for selection for Luke Donald’s team in 2025. Making no secret of his intentions ahead of the British Masters, the star said to Bunkered: “Ryder Cup points start at the British Masters.
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Tyrrell Hatton has been open about his desire to qualify for the next Ryder Cup as he appears at the Betfred British Masters ( Luke Walker/Getty Images)
“The LIV events are the same period this year as Irish Open and Wentworth (the BMW Championship). Previously those would be two events I would be looking to play, but I haven’t played the British Masters in a long time because it’s always fallen on the FedEx Playoffs.
“The schedule has stopped you playing certain events over the last few years, that’s just where golf’s been going. I’m obviously sad to miss Wentworth this year,” he continued. “That tournament is really special to me and I’ve said numerous times what that tournament means. I’m sad to miss it this year but I’m excited to play British Masters and obviously I have a good record at the Dunhill.
Hatton added: “My main aim with these three events is to earn some Ryder Cup points early but also to try and earn enough points to get me into Abu Dhabi and Dubai in November. That’s hopefully where we finish the season.”
