The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is a unique offering on the European Tour. Held traditionally in October ever since its inaugural edition in 2001, the tournament offers a professional and an amateur tournament, the latter of which has seen cultural icons and celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Phelps, and others participate. Not only this, but it boasts one of the largest payouts on the DP World Tour this season, with a prize purse of $5 million on offer.

Going into the final day on Sunday, England’s Tyrrell Hatton posted a 61 for his round of 18 holes, moving to -22 for the tournament and topping the charts. Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts ended the day with 65 to be on 21 under, just one stroke behind Hatton. Behind them was Tommy Fleetwood, setting up an enticing last day of action.

As it turned out Hatton secured the 2024 Alfred Dunhill Championship title by a shot via a birdie on the 18th hole of the final round at St Andrews. This despite an early scare that saw him share his overnight lead. Hatton had a double bogey on the 13th and a bogey on the 14th Nicolas Colsaerts, who had been going toe-to-toe with him had an opening.

Both golfers went to the 18th level on 23 under but putted to eight feet and missed his own birdie attempt. This allowed Hatton to capitalize and he made no mistake. The Englishman holed out to clinch the seventh DP World Tour success of his career. This was also his third win at the event following from success in 2016 and 2017.

Thus with this win, he will take home $800,000 of the total purse. This win also boosted his chances of making the 2025 European Ryder Cup team. He now moves to the fifth spot in the European Ryder Cup team standings. Hatton is also now guaranteed a top-70 finish in the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai standings and participation in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

As for Colsaerts, he bagged $533,330 and Hatton’s compatriot, Fleetwood took the third spot and $300,480, according to Golf Week. Here is a breakdown of how much each golfer earned at the event.

When it comes to the Official World Golf Rankings, the event, which has a field rating of 217.62349, also provides its champion with points on the standings. A record-breaking third Alfred Dunhill Links title comes with 37.88577 points on the world rankings, which means Hatton moves to 20th in the OWGR.

Speaking after his sensational win, the golfer shared his thoughts before the all-important 18th hole. He said, “I actually stood over the ball at the 18th and thought: ‘Please don’t hit it out of bounds’, which is not a good thought process. Luckily I managed to hit a good shot, and to have a three-and-a-half foot putt is quite nerve-racking, and I was just so relieved when it went in.”

Later, he also reiterated his desire and plan to be on the Ryder Cup team following his success at the Dunhill Links.

Hatton determined to make the Ryder Cup team

Hatton wants to earn as many points as he can for his Ryder Cup quest. However, due to his LIV Golf commitments, his opportunities will be limited but is willing to make the most of the chances he has left. Speaking to the press after his win, he said, “It’s a Ryder Cup year. I want to earn as many points as I possibly can, and you know, I’m committed to try my best to earn the points that I need to be on that team.”

He further added, “If it means playing events that you wouldn’t normally play, and not to make that sound as a negative. It’s more of if I need to play, I’m going to play.” Luke Donald’s 12-man team will feature six automatic qualifiers and six wildcards for the Bethpage Black match next year.

For now, Hatton will revel in his victory, and with a spot secured in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, he will look to take some well-deserved rest.