Professional golfer Tyrrell Hatton shared that he outperformed Rory McIlroy at the Dubai Desert Classic after indulging in wine and Guinness over the Christmas period. Hatton humorously mentioned feeling as rigid as the Titanic during his first round defense of his title in the rainy January conditions.
During a round of golf with McIlroy, Hatton joked that their conversation revolved around the quality of wine they enjoyed during the holidays rather than the fines associated with playing on the Saudi-backed tour to maintain eligibility for European events.
Hatton disclosed that he weighed 204 pounds on January 1st, which was a significant increase from his weight before the Ryder Cup. He attributed the weight gain to minimal cardio and increased alcohol consumption during December, including having a Guinness tap at home for enjoyment.
Acknowledging the need to shed some weight post-holiday season, Hatton humorously referred to his current fitness efforts as “damp January” after a festive December. Despite his lack of conditioning, Hatton managed to score decently in his first competitive round of 2026, trailing Francesco Molinari’s lead by five shots.
Hatton, known for his fondness for Guinness, recalled consuming a notable amount during previous tournaments, including waking up in an untidy state after celebrating his Ryder Cup qualification. Despite feeling rusty on the course, Hatton is determined to perform at his best.
Both McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, who played alongside Hatton, focused on their golf game rather than discussing fines related to conflicting tournament results. The ongoing debate over fines imposed on players like Hatton, Jon Rahm, and Adrian Meronk for participating in the LIV Golf tour continues, with players expressing dissatisfaction with the current situation.
Meronk emphasized the unfairness of the fines, calling for better agreements between the different golf tours to resolve the issue. The players’ discontent with the fines remains a point of contention in the golfing community.