Here’s a bold statement: Tyrrell Hatton might just be the most overlooked golfer on the planet. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the term 'underrated' is thrown around like confetti in golf circles, Hatton’s case is one of the rare instances where it genuinely fits. Let’s dive into why this label isn’t just another overused cliché but a fitting description of his talent and potential.
The word 'underrated' has become the golf world’s crutch, tossed around so carelessly that it’s lost much of its meaning. Golf commentators are the worst offenders, slapping the label on players or aspects of their game that are anything but underrated. Take Rory McIlroy’s short game, for example. It’s not underrated—it’s exceptional, and anyone who follows golf knows it. And this is the part most people miss: the term should be reserved for those who truly fly under the radar, like Hatton.
When I started compiling data for this piece, I considered highlighting players like Viktor Hovland or Akshay Bhatia. But I decided to practice what I preach and narrow my focus to someone who genuinely deserves the spotlight. Tyrrell Hatton isn’t just another name in the mix—he’s a golfer whose achievements often go unnoticed, even by die-hard fans.
A few weeks ago, I analyzed players who showed early promise in major championships, using Ludvig Aberg as a prime example. Aberg ranked eighth in Strokes Gained per round in early-career majors, but guess who came in fifth? Hatton. The Englishman may have missed his first three major cuts after turning pro, but he quickly turned things around with a T-25, T-5, and T-10 in his next three starts. By age 24, he had multiple top-10 finishes in majors—a feat that demands serious talent.
From 2017 to 2022, Hatton’s major results were a mixed bag: three top-10s and nine missed cuts in 23 appearances. Not terrible, but not elite either. But here’s where it gets interesting: since 2023, his performance in majors has been quietly impressive. In 12 starts, he’s made 11 cuts and secured six top-20 finishes. Only Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele have matched his cut-making consistency, and only six players—all major champions—have more top-20s in that span.
Sure, the obvious critique is that Hatton hasn’t had many chances to win a major. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find he’s been much closer to the top than his Wikipedia page suggests. Take the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, where he started the weekend just four shots off the lead. A disastrous final-round 77 dropped him to T-26. At the 2023 Masters, he was three shots back after 36 holes before a 3-over 75 on Saturday derailed his momentum. And at the 2023 U.S. Open, he entered the final round five shots back, only to miss a 10-foot birdie putt on No. 16 that could have given him the lead. A brutal break on the 17th hole led to back-to-back bogeys, leaving him T-4, four shots behind J.J. Spaun.
I’m not saying Hatton was one bad break away from winning that U.S. Open, but his recent major performances are far more competitive than they appear at first glance. The key to winning a major is giving yourself chances, and Hatton has been doing just that.
With four Ryder Cup appearances, eight DP World Tour wins, and victories on both the PGA Tour and LIV, Hatton’s résumé speaks for itself. In his last eight starts—a mix of LIV, DP World Tour, and Asian Tour events—he’s notched four top-five finishes. His form is undeniable, and he was one of the top vote-getters in our recent anonymous Pro Golf Survey.
Looking ahead to the 2026 major season, now might be the lowest Hatton’s stock will be all year. Despite his solid form, there’s little buzz around his name, partly because his LIV appearances don’t get as much attention. But where could he break through? While Hatton has just one top-10 finish in nine Masters appearances—and has been vocal about his dislike for Augusta National—he’s a strong dark horse at the other three majors.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is Tyrrell Hatton the most underrated golfer in the world, or are we simply not paying enough attention? Let’s discuss in the comments. For my money, Hatton is one of the few players who truly deserves the 'underrated' label—and it’s time we started talking about him like it.
