Nick Faldo makes savage Tyrrell Hatton and LIV Golf joke at British Masters

Sir Nick Faldo’s Harsh Critique of LIV Golf as Tyrell Hatton Returns to British Masters

Legendary British golfer Sir Nick Faldo didn’t hold back his criticism of LIV Golf as he welcomed Tyrell Hatton back to the British Masters, taking a jab at the controversial Saudi Arabian tour.

Tyrell Hatton, a prominent figure in golf with three appearances for Team Europe in the Ryder Cup, made headlines earlier this year by joining LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed league. The 32-year-old Englishman reportedly signed a lucrative deal worth £50 million to become part of the Legion XIII team, led by fellow defector Jon Rahm.

As Hatton prepares for his first DP World Tour event since making the switch to LIV, the spotlight is on him at the British Masters, hosted at the iconic Belfry. However, Sir Nick Faldo, who is hosting the event, didn’t miss the opportunity to express his disdain for LIV Golf and its place in the sport.

In a pointed remark, Faldo expressed his pleasure at seeing Hatton compete in what he considers a “proper tournament.” He commented, “I’m delighted. [He] wants to come play a proper tournament.” This statement underscores Faldo’s belief that LIV Golf lacks the competitive rigor of traditional golf tournaments.

Faldo further elaborated on Hatton’s potential return to the Ryder Cup, a prestigious event in which Hatton has previously played a significant role. “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,” Faldo said, showing a mix of support and skepticism. “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.”

As Hatton sets his sights on qualifying for the 2025 Ryder Cup, he expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the British Masters, a tournament he has not played in several years due to scheduling conflicts. Hatton is eager to rack up Ryder Cup points and make his case for selection on Luke Donald’s team.

Speaking to *Bunkered*, Hatton emphasized the importance of this event, saying, “Ryder Cup points start at the British Masters.” He acknowledged the challenges of balancing schedules with LIV events, noting, “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.”

Despite the complexities of the current golf landscape, Hatton remains focused on his goals. He expressed disappointment at missing the Wentworth tournament, a special event for him, but looked forward to competing at the British Masters and building on his success at the Dunhill.

“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,” Hatton explained, outlining his strategy for the remainder of the season. “That’s hopefully where we finish the season.”

As the golf world continues to grapple with the implications of LIV Golf and its impact on traditional tournaments, Sir Nick Faldo’s comments reflect a broader debate about the future of the sport. Meanwhile, Tyrell Hatton’s journey back to the British Masters marks a significant moment in his career as he navigates the challenges and opportunities of this evolving landscape.