Tyrrell Hatton shared that he surpassed Rory McIlroy’s score at the Dubai Desert Classic after gaining weight from indulging in wine and Guinness over the Christmas period. The professional golfer humorously mentioned feeling as inflexible as the Titanic while playing his first round in defense of his title amidst the damp January weather.
During their round together, Hatton and McIlroy primarily reminisced about the quality wine they enjoyed during the festive season, diverting from the topic of fines related to the Saudi-backed tour. Hatton jokingly mentioned shocking McIlroy with his increased weight on January 1st, weighing 204 pounds, a stone heavier than before.
Reflecting on his December activities, Hatton admitted to minimal training with no cardio exercise but plenty of drinking, including savoring Guinness from a tap at home. Planning to shed some weight, Hatton humorously referred to his current regimen as “damp January,” allowing himself occasional indulgences while aiming to focus on gym sessions and avoiding alcohol to slim down.
Known for his enjoyment of Guinness, Hatton recalled his past experiences, including celebrating a Ryder Cup qualification with a messy night of revelry. Despite his lack of conditioning due to the upcoming LIV Golf tour, Hatton managed a decent performance in his first competitive round of 2026, trailing behind clubhouse leader Francesco Molinari.
Expressing his struggle with stiffness and rustiness on the course, Hatton acknowledged the need to improve his swing and performance. McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, also part of the same group, refrained from discussing the fines imposed by the DP World Tour, emphasizing their focus on playing good golf.
Amidst ongoing discussions and unhappiness regarding fines for playing in conflicting tournaments, golfer Adrian Meronk echoed sentiments against the penalties, advocating for a resolution between different tours to address the issue.