Tyrrell Hatton leads British Masters after harsh 'island' comments by Sir Nick Faldo on LIV Golf

English golfer Tyrrell Hatton is currently leading the pack in the second round of the British Masters at the Belfry golf course in England. His current score is 7-under and is enjoying a solo lead.

The British Masters does not have the strongest of playing fields this year, with only four of the top hundred ranked players in the OWGR playing, with Hatton being the highest-ranked among the competitors.

A spectacular 7-under par 65 shot in the second round catapulted the 32-year-old to the top of the leaderboard.

So far, he has recorded eight birdies and just one bogey in the tournament and has a one-stroke lead ahead of the other competitors.

"We always say that we've left something out there - it's never perfect, is it?" Hatton told BBC.

He further added:

"But I'm more than happy with seven under today. Ultimately it's the first job done to make the cut and give yourself a chance going into the weekend and I'm happy with where we're at. I still missed a few short ones, so it will be nice if I can not do that over the weekend. I just need to keep giving myself opportunities,"

The world no. 36 shifted from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf in January 2024. His appearance at the Belfry is his attempt to qualify for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, New York.The 2024 British Masters will mark Tyrrell Hatton's first regular DP World Tour start since January after appealing against sanctions imposed on players for competing in the LIV Golf events without permission.

Tyrrell Hatton's participation at the British Masters comes after Sir Nick Faldo's scathing remarks about LIV Golf. The legendary golfer was of the firm belief that the Saudi-backed league should stay away from the already established leagues.

"I think they are an island and go and do their own thing. That’s absolutely fine with me, go and play their tour," Faldo told the PA news agency.

---

"If a guy wants to make the Ryder Cup Team, good luck to him" - Sir Nick Faldo on Tyrrell Hatton

Sir Nick Faldo (Source: Imagn)

Ever since it was announced that English golfer Tyrrell Hatton will take the field at the British Masters, there was a lot of buzz around it. Sir Nick Faldo was "delighted" about his participation and his intent to qualify for the Ryder Cup.

However, while talking about it, Faldo did take a dig at LIV Golf.

"I'm delighted. Wants to come play a proper tournament," the 67-year-old told Golf Monthly.

At the 2023 Ryder Cup, Tyrrell Hatton played an important role for the European side as he earned 3.5 points in the four matches he played. He was an instrumental part in Europe's victory over the US. Sir Nick Faldo shared his opinion on Hatton wanting to qualify again:

"I'm delighted - he had such a significant part of the last Ryder Cup, I think he wants it - there is a path for them to do it. 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,"

If Tyrrell Hatton qualifies for the 2025 Ryder Cup, it will be his fourth appearance at the tournament. The 2025 Ryder Cup will take place from 26th to 28th September 2025 at Bethpage Black in New York.