Euro Ryder Cup hero slams Keegan Bradley for fan comparison as he insists Rome was nothing like Bethpage Black
Tyrrell Hatton is adamant there was no comparisons between crowd behaviour after US captain and PGA chief's comments
Tyrrell Hatton has dismissed Keegan Bradley’s ridiculous claims and insisted Rome was nothing like New York.
The United States skipper made a startling remark in the wake of last Saturday’s sickening abuse dished out to European players by the Bethpage crowds.
As opposed to calling out the behaviour, Bradley tried to make a comparison to The Ryder Cup atmosphere in Italy two years ago and even used the word “violent” in a laughable piece of whataboutery. PGA president Don Rea also sparked disbelief by saying “these things happen.”
Hatton featured in both successes for Luke Donald’s teams and said: “Personally, I don’t think they were close at all. With what I heard last week, I don’t think Rome comes anywhere near that.
"To be honest, personally, I don’t agree with what they both said there. I don’t know what else to add to that. I think they are quite far apart to be honest.”
PGA CEO Derek Sprague finally made a proper apology to the European team on Tuesday night and Hatton is adamant Adare Manor in 2027 will show The Ryder Cup in the correct light again.
He said: “I’d like to think that it will be very respectful. Obviously what I say isn’t really going to affect how people behave, but I don’t really think that insults is the way forward. I would much prefer it to be a respectful atmosphere.
“You let the guys play and the best team wins, rather than trying to affect the outcome by trying to put players off or things like that. But I don’t think it will be as hostile as maybe as it was last week.”
Hatton reflected on the events of Long Island and said: “To be honest, I think some guys on the team had a lot worse than others. For me personally, yeah, there was a lot of insults maybe around height or hairline or weight, some of which I pretty much said to myself anyway, so it wasn’t like anything new.
“No-one really wants to hear anyone that they love and care about getting abused or having insults hurled at them. But I think they [Hatton family] can also see it wasn’t affecting me and maybe that made it somewhat easier for them to deal with. Although, they don’t want to hear it.
“I don’t feel like I did anything to wind up the crowd. I celebrated generally towards my team-mates or with my caddie. That’s just how I dealt with everything. Even if I hit bad shots, I didn’t overly react. I was pretty calm and as we know that can be difficult for me sometimes.
“Sunday I struggled a bit more with that. Singles is a different beast. First two days, you’re with your teammates and then Sundays can feel a bit more lonely or in some regards back to normal because that’s how it is as an individual every other tournament that you play.”
Hatton kept his celebrations low-key as he said: “I think Indy scared me to be honest. So I was very well behaved, which is very boring for you guys to hear. Also, going into this week, I didn’t want to travel feeling horrendous.”
It’s been a whirlwind for Hatton. He landed in Edinburgh Tuesday morning and hasn’t really had time to digest the win or the captaincy issue regarding Luke Donald.
He said: “Starting from next week where I’ve got some time off, that will allow me to sit down and sort of take in what we’ve all just experienced. Wut winning or securing the half-point that got us over the line is a great feeling. But it’s a team effort. We did an amazing job Friday and Saturday, and although Sunday was an extremely difficult day, we’ve achieved it as a team. So it was very special.
“Luke’s done an incredible job the last three-and-a-half years. In terms of Ryder Cup captain for Ireland, I don’t know. It will be interesting to see who it is but I don’t want to sort of make comment on any of that other than just saying I think we all know what an amazing job Luke’s done.”
Hatton will enjoy a different world in the Home of Golf this week as he looks to win the Alfred Dunhill for a fourth time.
Energy levels are boosted as he said: “Maybe the slightly relaxed nature of this week. As we all know, I can lose my head and maybe that’s played a part in why I’ve played well here.
“The atmosphere will be world’s apart. Last week was pretty intense. This week will feel somewhat quieter but in some ways, also looking forward to that.
“I think it’s the custard doughnuts on the ninth hole that just get me through. The halfway house is dangerous.
“Every week you try your best. But, as I said, I think the slightly more relaxed nature of this week plays a part.
““Playing the Ryder Cup the week before under such an intense microscope, your game gets lifted normally in those environments and I feel like I played some really good golf at times last week. Take that into this week and, hopefully, I can get myself another opportunity to win this tournament.”