Three-time champion Hatton to defend Alfred Dunhill title at the 'home of golf'

Tyrrell Hatton has won the Alfred Dunhill Links title three times. Photo: Getty Images

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Tyrrell Hatton has confirmed he’ll be back at St Andrews in October to defend his Alfred Dunhill Links title where he’ll be aiming to become the first golfer to win the championships on four occasions.

Last year, Hatton laid claim to being the greatest champion in the history of the competition when he won a third title after a thrilling final round at the Old Course, the Marlow golfer sinking his winning birdie putt on the 18th green.

Hatton has since enhanced his reputation on the global stage by going close to sealing his first major victory, having shared the lead in the US Open on the final day before a bogey-bogey finish on the final two days saw him finish four shots back from eventual winner American JJ Spaun.

Last month he also finished tied for 16th in the Open Championships at Royal Portrush, having also been well in contention to win it before falling out of contention ahead of the final day’s play.

He said: “It doesn’t get much better than winning at St Andrews. To play in a tournament there and be in contention is something you always remember. To say I’ve won three times in the Dunhill at the Home of Golf is even more special.

“I don’t think you ever go into events thinking you could actually win four times, but there is something that suits me about the Dunhill. Last year was even more special because it was the first time I've actually won the tournament with my dad there, so it meant a lot.”

Hatton sank a four-foot putt for a birdie three on the 18th to beat Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts, after the two had been locked together in a tense battle on the final round. It ensured he added another success to his back-to-back Dunhill victories in 2016 and 2017.

“I’ve had a great run, but I do know that Links golf can always come back and bite you, so you have to play with more patience and be ready for anything. You’ve really got to stick in there. I suppose that’s what makes it so much fun and such a reward if you can win.”

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship will be played over the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie from October 2-5. There is a prize fund of US $5million.

Hatton will have to get the better of a competitive field to win again, however. Over the years, a series of major champions have played in the competition including Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzpatrick, Brooks Koepka, Ernie Els, Justin Rose, Sir Nick Faldo and Martin Kaymer. Other popular golfers to have played are 2022 winner Ryan Fox, Tommy Fleetwood and Americans Billy Horschel and Tony Finau.

Entry for the first three days is also free, tickets are not needed, however, tickets are required for the final day’s play on Sunday, October 5 and can be purchased here.