“He also doesn’t give a flying fig”: Rory McIlroy makes bold revelation about Tyrrell Hatton following Dubai Desert Classic win

Rory McIlroy recently shared praise for Tyrrell Hatton shortly after the latter aced the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. McIlroy was defending his 2024 title at this event, but it was Hatton who came out on top in the end.

According to McIlroy, Hatton's performance at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic could serve Team Europe in good stead at the Ryder Cup, that will take place later this year.

“He’ll be amazing in New York… He’s proved that over the last three Ryder Cups. He’s a massive asset for the European team. He’s become very very consistent. He does things his own way. He plays within his capabilities. He hits the ball very straight. He doesn't try to shape it really one way or another.

He has his systems and ways he practices and he does a really good job at that. He also doesn’t give a flying fig what anyone else thinks which is a really good attribute to have in the game. He has got balls," Rory McIlroy said.

Hatton won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic with a thrilling finish, outshining Daniel Hillier in the final round. The 33-year-old scored three-under in his final round to finish on a total score of 15-under. Shortly after clinching the title, Hatton said:

“I was pretty nervous on the back nine to be honest. I guess I maybe wanted it a bit too much. I knew the position I was in and I was a little bit scruffy down the last. To see that putt go in felt amazing, I am just so happy to win. My hands had been shaking. This is one of the events you want on your CV, it is so iconic on this tour.”

This victory holds significant as it boosts his chances of directly qualifying for Team Europe's roster for the Ryder Cup. This win at the Emirates Golf Club is Tyrrell Hatton's second in his last five DP World Tour events.

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Rory McIlroy finished fourth at the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic

The defending champion of the Dubai Desert Classic finished the 2025 edition of the event at 12-under par. Rory McIlroy tied for the fourth place, climbing up the standings on the back of his impressive fourth round score of 66.

Here's a brief look at the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic top 10 leaderboard:

• Tyrrell Hatton, WON, 71-65-68-69, 273 (-15)
• Daniel Hillier, 2, 68-65-70-71, 274 (-14)
• Laurie Canter, 3, 68-68-71-71, 275 (-13)
• Rory McIlroy, T4, 70-71-69-66, 276 (-12)
• Niklas Norgaard, T4, 71-68-71-66, 276 (-12)
• Tom McKibbin, T6, 70-69-69-69, 277 (-11)
• Shaun Norris, T6, 69-67-72-69, 277 (-11)
• David Micheluzzi, T8, 65-73-75-65, 278 (-10)
• Guido Migliozzi, T8, 66-73-70-69, 278 (-10)
• Rasmus Neergard-Petersen, T10, 72-71-70-66, 279 (-9)
• Patrick Reed, T10, 70-69-73-67, 279 (-9)
• Dylan Frittelli, T10, 73-68-67-71, 279 (-9)
• Ryan Fox, T10, 68-70-69-72, 279 (-9)