Tyrrell Hatton has faced fresh criticism over his on-course behaviour, with former Masters champion and Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam delivering a pointed message ahead of The Open Championship.
Woosnam's Verdict on Hatton
Woosnam, who twice finished third at The Open and captained Europe to victory in the 2006 Ryder Cup, expressed strong views on the current generation of golfers. In an interview with The Telegraph, he said: "I don't like some of the on-course behaviour I see from some of the players, who should realise how privileged they are and not have childish hissy fits."
The Welshman admitted to throwing clubs in his youth but stressed he grew out of it. "I threw clubs when I was young, but realised that it's not respectful to your partners, the fans or the game, itself," he added. "I'm not sure if I could keep my mouth shut if I played with Tyrrell Hatton. It was the same with one of the big names in my time – who I won't name. I refused to sign his scorecard after one round because of his behaviour."
Hatton's Response and Open Performance
Hatton, who has a history of on-course outbursts including smashing clubs and swearing at his driver, has previously indicated efforts to moderate his behaviour. At the 2025 Open, while sitting joint fifth on five under par, he said: "I've always said, as long as it's not affecting my playing partners... Sure, there's been times I've probably gone too far and you comment on a putt when they're putting on the same line and then it maybe affects where they're hitting their putt. Stuff like that, I think that's part of what you learn as you get more experience, so I do try and avoid that kind of thing. But yeah, as long as I'm not affecting the other guys, then I'm not going to change."
Despite his mid-tournament position, Hatton finished the 2025 Open tied for 16th after a final round of 72. His best Open finish remains fifth in 2016, while his finest major performance came at the 2025 Masters, where he finished joint-third, two strokes behind champion Rory McIlroy.
Woosnam's Career Context
Woosnam, now 67, enjoyed a distinguished career, with two third-place finishes at The Open in 1986 and 2001, and a Masters victory in 1991 when he edged out Jose Maria Olazabal. His comments come as The Open Championship approaches, with the tournament scheduled for 16-19 July.
