Yet another defection to LIV Golf! Yes, we are talking about Tyrrell Hatton and his joining the Saudi-backed League and Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII GC for a rumored $60 million. Besides, his move to the alternate tour is slated to affect the sport, especially the PGA Tour and the European circuit. However, a certain legend of the game disagrees.

The senior veteran of the circuit took to an interview with Golf Today not too long ago to talk about the Englishman’s jump to LIV Golf. However, while doing so, he took a jab at the golfer, all the while bringing in Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer into the conversation, before going ahead to call them the “needle movers” of the game!

PGA Tour legend takes jibe at Tyrrell Hatton

“Who cares?” said a brutal 69-year-old Peter Jacobsen about Hatton’s defection in a talk with Damon Hack and Eamon Lynch a while back. Jacobson mentioned how Tyrrell Hatton “does not impact the PGA Tour,” before going ahead to divulge how “there’s only been two needle movers in the game… people stop and watch,” while alluding to Woods and Palmer. Since the latter of the two passed away in 2016, this indubitably makes the 15X major champ the sole active “needle mover.”

Adding on, the 1995 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am champ disclosed how all the other professionals, including the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Greg Norman, “benefit from these needle movers.” Continuing with his response, Jacobsen disclosed how he would teach “the players the business of the PGA Tour” if he were made commissioner for the day. “I just wish the players today would be a little more committed to their organization,” said the regretful American regarding the whole situation.

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Although he was a bit understanding of Hatton’s decision to “make money” for himself, the 7X PGA Tour champ quickly highlighted the real “strength” of the circuit: “the organization, the communities where we play, and the charities we support.” The retired golfer ended his response by reiterating what he said at the start of the interview: “Players come and players go!”

Well, he sure was expressive of his thoughts regarding the players, especially Tyrrell Hatton, leaving the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf. But, while all of this transpires, one can’t help but become curious as to what effect the jump will have on the Englishman’s career as a DP World Tour pro.

The implications of Hatton’s defection

The athlete will remain technically eligible to play on the European tour. However, Tyrrell Hatton would be receiving a ban and a fine for each tournament he plays on the PIF-funded circuit. The penalty for playing in a LIV Golf event comes to around $95,000, while the suspension is marked at one week, both calculated as per the tourney.

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Nevertheless, Tyrrell Hatton’s jumping ships did come off as nothing short of a surprise to the golf world, especially after denying the same not too long ago. The 1X PGA Tour champ had announced how he would be staying with the men’s circuit a while back before shocking the community with his jump. Although the retired golfer did express how he wouldn’t have an impact on the tour, only time will tell if that comes true!

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