Tyrrell Hatton’s LIV Golf move set to pose huge problem for Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods

Tyrrell Hatton is expected to become the latest name to sign with LIV Golf ahead of their season opener, which will leave Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods with an issue

Tyrrell Hatton’s proposed move to LIV Golf is set to have a knock-on effect for Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, with the Englishman currently taking up a spot on their TGL roster.

Hatton became one of many PGA Tour players to pledge to TGL, the cutting-edge golf league that McIlroy and Woods founded. The league was supposed to begin play this month, but damage sustained to its stadium in Palm Beach late last year has forced a delay until early 2025.

Those who had committed to the TGL setup were placed on one of six teams prior to the proposed launch, with Hatton joining McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, and Adam Scott at Boston Common.

But with Hatton expected to join LIV Golf, his status on the team may be in question. The Englishman is reportedly close to becoming the next big star to move to Saudi Arabia, following in the footsteps of his European friend Jon Rahm.

It is anticipated that Hatton will renounce his spot on the TGL roster if and when he decides to move, which will present a problem for Woods and McIlroy. Rahm made history by being the first celebrity to leave the league in November, and he decided to sign with LIV Golf a month later.

Since Hatton’s future appears uncertain, TGL executives have not been able to find a replacement in the two months that have passed, and they may have to search for another star. Many people will be surprised by Hatton’s decision to sign with LIV, as the Englishman seemed to rule out the move at the Dubai Desert Classic last week.

Both played at Emirates Golf Club and were questioned about their futures after a story from The Telegraph stated that Hatton had become LIV’s next target after losing out on signing fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood.

Hatton disclosed that although he was still committed to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, there had been talks with the Breakaway League. “I would estimate that a number of people have spoken with LIV. He stated last week, “I think that’s just part of golf right now, but I’m happy playing the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.”

“I don’t think there is anything to shy away from—a lot of people have [spoken to LIV].” According to The Times, Adrian Meronk has also reached an agreement with the breakaway league for the current season, meaning that Hatton is not the only prominent European player anticipated to join LIV Golf in 2024.