Tyrrell Hatton: “Get rid of Ryder Cup ties and introduce a play-off”

Tyrrell Hatton wants to see an end to ties at the Ryder Cup.

Tyrrell Hatton has called for the Ryder Cup to get rid of ties and introduce a dramatic Sunday play-off to decide the biennial match.

Speaking ahead of his third Ryder Cup appearance for Team Europe, Hatton suggested that ending the match in a tie and with the current holders retaining the trophy isn’t a satisfactory conclusion to such a huge event.

The Englishman’s comments come just days after Europe fought back from 4-0 down to retain the Solheim Cup thanks to a 14-14 tie with the USA at Finca Cortesin. It was the first tie in Solheim Cup history and saw questions raised over the lack of a format to ensure an outright winner, especially among the US team and fans.

But despite seeing the continent’s women keep hold of the trophy for a third successive match, Hatton is on the side of those calling for a decider and is hoping to avoid the draw that would see Team USA retain the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone.

“Tying is probably not ideal,” the 31-year-old said. “I think it would be quite interesting if there was a way of putting in a playoff if that (a tie)was to happen.

“It would be pretty exciting for fans, and it would certainly create a pretty epic atmosphere. Playing in front of home fans is always special, anyway, but I think that would add something to it.”

Easy solution

There hasn’t been a tie in the Ryder Cup since 1989 when Europe retained the trophy during the second of four matches played at The Belfry in England, but Hatton believes there is an easy solution.

“I think you probably have the time to do it because the singles start probably later in the day compared to fourballs and foursomes. Maybe just having the tee times starting a bit earlier on Sunday would allow for, I don’t know, a nine-hole better-ball, two players, best-ball sort of playoff format.

I’m just like sort of thinking as I speak, but I think that would be a lot more exciting than just ‘that’s a tie, such-and-such retain the cup’. I don’t think that’s the best thing.

Added pressure

Some quarters have suggested that a play-off would be unfair because of the pressure it would place on the player chosen to compete in the decider, but the Englishman, who looks set to play alongside Jon Rahm this week, said he wouldn’t be phased.

“It would be a lot of pressure, but ultimately it’s still the same,” he added. “You’ve still got the same job. You’re going out there trying your best. You know, that’s all you can ever do, but there would be a lot on the line.”

Not all in agreement

Teammate and fellow Englishman Justin Rose wasn’t as certain as Hatton that a change to the format was necessary.

“It (Solheim) was portrayed very much as a win, which is obviously an interesting aspect with the retaining of the Cup versus actually winning it,” Rose said. “I think that’s kind of an interesting debate in itself.

“History is history. History is so important, I think. It’s quite nice to wrestle it back fair and square. You have to win it to get the Cup back. I think the Ashes in cricket, retaining the Ashes is a big thing. I just keep loyal to the history of it.”

And Rory McIlroy echoed Rose’s view.

“I think it’s part of history and tradition,” the Northern Irishman said. “You know, I was watching the Solheim Cup last week, and obviously there were huge celebrations when Europe got to 14 and retained the Cup. I thought to myself, ‘geez, they are celebrating a lot for a draw’, and then I go back to Medinah in 2012 and we went ballistic when we got to 14 as well.

“I think retaining it means something, and there’s certainly a historical and traditional element to it. I do like the traditions of the game, and this competition has been around since 1927, and that’s the way they have always done it. Does that mean that’s the way they always have to do it? Probably not. But it’s nice to keep some of the traditions around the event.”

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About the Author

Rob Jerram – Digital Editor

Rob specializes in the DP World Tour, PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the Ryder Cup, spending large chunks of his days reading about, writing about, and watching the tours each month.

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