How much time did Hatton take to make a LIV Golf decision? Just ask his caddie

England's Tyrrell Hatton has opened up on just how last-minute his decision to join LIV Golf really was. 

The English golfer joined the breakaway tour officially on 30 January for the 14-event 2024 campaign and made his debut at Mayakoba with Jon Rahm's Legion XIII. 

He could've just as easily made his first start of the calendar year on the PGA Tour at Pebble Beach. 

According to a report by Telegraph Sport, Hatton's caddie Mick Donaghy was at Heathrow Airport waiting to be told whether to board a plane to California to loop for Hatton at the iconic links or to head for the Greg Norman-designed El Camaleon.

Hatton told the publication he had long chats with 2023 Ryder Cup teammates Rory McIlroy and the aforementioned Rahm about the switch. 

And he also consulted European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald. 

The World No. 16 said after detailing all the terms and conditions to his inner circle, including his father, he was told: "If I was in your position, I'd go." 

Hatton is understood to have agreed a $60m contract with LIV, although that figure is unsubstantiated. 

The 32-year-old said there was 'no point in lying' that the figure - whatever it may be - was central to his decision. 

"There was a fear of the unknown and going away from my comfort zone," Hatton told the publication. 

"I've been on the DP World Tour for 10 years and the PGA Tour for six years and I feel appreciative for what they've given me.

"I looked at the LIV schedule and knew I'd be missing Wentworth in September and the BMW PGA Championship is a week I've always loved and regard as one of the most important of the year.

"I cannot be 100 percent I'll be back there soon. Like I said, I can only hope."

Ryder Cup uncertainties 

Hatton, like Rahm, remains eligible to be selected for next year's Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. 

He has not resigned - nor has any intention of - resigning his DP World Tour membership. 

European skipper Donald was asked about both Rahm and Hatton's future in the contest before teeing it up at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Donald said nobody 'judged' Hatton or Rahm for joining LIV but made it clear it was 'hard to answer' if both golfers would be in the team in New York. 

"What I did so well in my captaincy last year was just control what I can control.

"We're seven months out probably since qualification starts.

"We have all this talk about being potential deals with the PGA Tour, with DP World Tour, with the PIF.

"I have no idea what's going to happen, and for the next seven months, I don't really need to know what's going to happen because qualification for the Ryder Cup won't start until then."

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