Read more: Emotional Jon Rahm Secures First LIV Victory in England
JCB Golf and Country Club, UK - Tyrrell Hatton believes changes need to be made to the 18th hole at JCB Golf and Country Club before next year's LIV Golf Invitational Series event after suffering a heartbreaking one-shot loss on Sunday.
Hatton found himself in prime position to win on home soil, tied for the lead with teammate Jon Rahm heading to the par-4 closing hole. But his tee shot landed in the first cut of rough thanks to an unfortunate kick, leaving a tricky approach to the multi-tiered green.
Jon Rahm has won LIV Golf UK, after Tyrrell Hatton missed his par putt on 18. It’s his first win since the 2023 Masters and his very first individual win on the league. I’m not sure, but did he shed a tear there?? pic.twitter.com/ngbvxm5db8
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) July 28, 2024
The Englishman's first putt from just off the front edge veered left, setting up a pressure 5-foot slider for par. Hatton's putt agonizingly caught the left edge of the cup and stayed out, handing Rahm the solo victory.
"It's obviously still pretty raw for me as an individual," Hatton said after his round. "It's kind of hard to put that to one side. Golf is generally an individual sport, and ultimately your individual results will reflect what happens within the team."
When asked about his bogey on 18, Hatton did not hold back in his criticism of the hole's layout. "I've hit a perfect tee shot over the line that we're all meant to hit," he argued. "I'd say probably the 18th is one hole that I think 54 players would like to see changed before we come back next year."
Hatton believes altering the design of the challenging finishing hole could result in a fairer test for players. While he was able to celebrate Legion XIII's fourth team title, the sting of defeat will linger for some time after failing to force a playoff on home soil.
"I don't think the tee shot that I hit there deserves to be in the semi and I'm playing a guessing game if it's going to come out with no spin or with spin. Obviously, I guessed wrong and it leaves it in a really tricky position to two-putt, and unfortunately wasn't able to hole that five-footer to force a playoff. Yeah, it sucks."
Rahm was able to secure his first individual win in 15 months thanks to parring the last, taking home $4 million in first place prize money. But Hatton's call for changes ensures the debate around the 18th hole at JCB will rage on until LIV Golf's return next summer.
Captain Jon Rahm of Legion XIII lines up a putt on the 18th green during the final round of LIV Golf United Kingdom by JCB at JCB Golf & Country Club on Sunday, July 28, 2024 in Rocester, England. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf via AP)
It was a heartbreaking end for the Englishman in front of his home fans, who had roared him around the course all weekend. However, while the individual glory slipped through his fingers, Hatton did take solace that his Legion XIII team once again triumphed.
Only time will tell if Hatton's suggestions for the dramatic finishing hole are taken into consideration. But one thing is for certain - with Hatton and Rahm leading the way, the JCB Championship is sure to continue providing thrilling drama for golf fans around the world for years to come.
References: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/golf/1929558/Tyrrell-Hatton-LIV-Golf-UK
