Tyrrell Hatton signals LIV Golf exit plan with bizarre 'act of defiance'
Tyrrell Hatton signals LIV Golf exit plan with bizarre 'act of defiance'
Sam Frost Sat, August 22, 2026 at 1:07 PM UTC
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Tyrrell Hatton appeared to signal his intent to quit LIV Golf during Thursday's opening round at Chatham Hlls -Credit:Justin Casterline/Getty Images
Tyrrell Hatton made his feelings known about his future with an "act of defiance" during the opening round of LIV Golf Indianapolis.
The Englishman, a two-time winner on the breakaway circuit, sent a clear message to the league's bosses with his choice of walkout music for the "party hole," the par-three 12th at Chatham Hills.
The world No. 22 walked out to Queen's 1984 hit 'I Want To Break Free,' and it appears the choice was no coincidence with Hatton seemingly intent on quitting LIV when the season ends this week. LIV fears Hatton's Legion XIII teammate and close friend Jon Rahm will also walk away to pursue a return to the PGA Tour.
It comes as Rory McIlroy slammed Scottie Scheffler over his latest comments on LIV Golf stars returning to the PGA Tour.
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According to Fried Egg Golf, Hatton's song choice – and his intention to leave — have been a topic of open discussion in the LIV locker room, with the Englishman not buying into LIV's efforts to rebuild.
"Every player got to pick their walkout song for the party hole," Fried Egg's P.J. Clark said. "[Dustin Johnson] picked Morgan Wallen, Matthew Wolff went ‘Simple Man’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
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"Tyrrell Hatton steps up to the plate on 12 to ‘I Want To Break Free’ by Queen, a legendary song. You might be thinking, ‘Well, maybe he just likes Queen, he’s English.’
Jon Rahm did not appear to use his music choice to signal his future; he chose 'Beauty And A Beat' by Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj -Credit:Getty Images
"We have it sourced — multiple sources — that this was not an accident. This was an openly discussed act of defiance by Tyrrell Hatton, on his way out the door, that he does want to break free … and this is not a coincidence."
Hatton was not the only player who seemingly signaled his intentions with his walkout music. Fellow Legion XIII player Tom McKibbin stepped up to the tee on the 12th to the tune of 'Breaking Free' from the 'High School Musical' soundtrack.
Hatton's apparent stunt is a sign of the times for LIV, which is fighting for survival after being ditched by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).
PIF plowed billions of dollars into the LIV since getting the league off the ground in 2022, but in April, the fund announced that it would withdraw support at the end of the season.
LIV needs a cash injection in the region of $300 million to survive into next year, and it has agreed terms in principle with private equity fund BC Partners.
The rescue package would breathe new life into LIV, but it is conditional on the league retaining top talent. The likes of Rahm and Hatton walking away could be fatal if they do decide to continue their careers elsewhere.
A change in stance by the DP World Tour has incentivized them to do so. Sources say it is "highly unlikely" the European circuit will grant members releases to play LIV events in 2027.
Players have been able to compete across both tours this season, but with LIV only planning a 10-event schedule next year and the DP World Tour taking a different stance, the likes of Rahm and Hatton would be left without a comprehensive schedule. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy accused Phil Mickelson of 'blowing up' golf with the latest LIV move.
Source: “AOL Sports”
