Tyrrell Hatton sits comfortably at 5 under par after two rounds at Royal Portrush, securing his weekend spot at The Open Championship. But don’t expect him to be celebrating just yet.
“It felt like a pretty frustrating day,” Hatton told reporters after posting a 2-under 69 on Friday.
The frustration? Hatton wasn’t hitting his approach shots close enough for his liking. Missing the 14th green with a lob wedge particularly irked him. He’s also searching for more consistency off the tee.
Hatton admitted to giving himself several pep talks during his second round, though he kept the details private.
“It was pretty negative stuff,” Hatton said. “It’ll get me in trouble.”
At 33, Hatton has no plans to change his distinctive on-course demeanor. His emotional approach has served him well throughout a career that includes 13 worldwide professional victories. While his major championship record shows just two top-10s in the last six years, he’s consistently made cuts and put together solid performances.
“I’ve always felt like even though I can be losing my s—, I can get over the next shot and still have a clear mind of what I’m still trying to achieve on that shot,” Hatton explained. “Although from the outside it looks like I’m completely gone, in my own mind I still know where I’m at.”
Last month’s T-4 finish at the U.S. Open at Oakmont offers a perfect example. Despite initially lamenting some unlucky breaks, Hatton now views that performance positively.
“I kind of left feeling proud and happy with how I dealt with everything,” he said. “I’d love to have another chance to win.”
That chance is right in front of him. Despite his self-criticism about iron play, Hatton birdied three of the four par-3s on Friday. He’s also been remarkably steady, carding only three bogeys through 36 holes.
Sitting just five shots off the lead heading into the weekend puts him firmly in contention.
“I can’t really complain too much,” Hatton conceded.
His post-round routine at Royal Portrush has been anything but conventional. Two evenings ago, he unwound by playing Ballyreagh, Portrush’s par-3 course, in a sixsome before enjoying three pints of Guinness.
Would he follow the same routine Friday night?
“Would be rude not to,” Hatton replied.
But only three pints. That’s the magic number, according to Hatton.
“Because you’re definitely not close to a hangover,” he explained, “and you still feel like you’ve got [a buzz]. Hopefully, I’ve got a late tee time tomorrow, so I can have a lay-in, as well.”
Thanks to his solid play through two rounds, that late Saturday tee time is guaranteed.