LIV GOLF ADELAIDE, Tyrrell Hatton of Legion XIII during Round 3 of the LIV Golf Adelaide at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide, Saturday, February 14, 2026. NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY ADELAIDE SA AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxAUSxNZLxPNGxFIJxVANxSOLxTGA Copyright: xMATTxTURNERx 20260214165864235369
LIV GOLF ADELAIDE, Tyrrell Hatton of Legion XIII during Round 3 of the LIV Golf Adelaide at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide, Saturday, February 14, 2026. NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY ADELAIDE SA AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxAUSxNZLxPNGxFIJxVANxSOLxTGA Copyright: xMATTxTURNERx 20260214165864235369
Tyrrell Hatton pulled off a par save he had no business making and was the first to admit it.
At LIV Golf Virginia on Thursday, the Englishman found his ball pressed against the lip of a fairway bunker on the 11th hole, 172 yards from the pin. The resulting shot stunned his playing partners.
The Legion XIII golfer had just made a 13-footer for par after getting up and down from one of the worst lies on the hole. Speaking to reporters after his opening round of six-under 66 at Trump National Golf Club, Virginia, Hatton was candid about what he expected to happen.
"That was a surprise to not fat it or knife it into the face of the bunker, to be honest," Hatton said. "My fairway bunker play is normally one of the worst parts of my game."
He then missed the green, calling it "a pretty horrific spot" short left, before pitching close and holing the putt. Cam Smith's reaction said everything.
"The fact that Cam Smith turned around and clapped when that putt went in shows that it was a good up-and-down," Hatton said.
"His short game is pretty filthy. So if he was impressed, it must have been good."
His 66 left him two shots behind first-round leader Lucas Herbert. The result comes one week before the PGA Championship.
Beyond the bunker save, Hatton thrived across the opening round.
Hatton made seven birdies in the first round. After spending much of 2026 hearing talk about LIV Golf’s uncertain future, this calm and focused round was exactly what he needed before the final rounds of the week.
Tyrrell Hatton Calls His Major Record "Horrific" Despite Recent Progress
He is not satisfied with where his major game has been. In 43 tournaments, Tyrrell Hatton has missed the cut 14 times, and it is clear that this bothers him.
His best recent results were tied for fourth at last year’s U.S. Open and tied for third at the 2026 Masters. While these are high-level finishes, Hatton remains critical of his consistency.
"I think my major record has been horrific, to be honest, with the amount of majors I've played," he said. "More recently, it's been nice to actually play well in some majors."
He was also asked whether his strong form at LIV Golf Virginia means he is peaking at the right time heading into the PGA Championship.
"I still go out there and try my best like any other week," he said. "It's good to play well, and hopefully I can finish well here this week and take momentum into next week."
Trending slideshow: Top 15 Virginia Golf Courses You Shouldn't Miss
Dolly Bhamrick
Top 15 Virginia Golf Courses You Shouldn't MissVirginia might be known for its mountains, history, and rivers, but it’s also home to some of the most remarkable golf courses in the United States. From timeless classics to bold modern designs, here’s a look at 15 must-play courses across the state. IMAGO / Icon Sportswire via ImagoDesigned by Pete Dye, renovated and reopened in 2005. Carved dramatically along the New River, this campus course is as much a visual treat as it is a test of skill. Its sharp angles and wide riverfront views make it one of the most distinctive university layouts in America. Via Pete Dye River Course of Virginia TechDesigned by Lester George and opened in 2009. Set on rolling terrain with jaw-dropping elevation changes, Ballyhack is pure, untamed golf. Fairways sweep across 190 acres of open land, demanding creativity, while the dramatic vistas remind players why this is one of Virginia’s crown jewels. Via Dormie NetworkDesigned by Bobby Weed and opened in 2000. This Bristol gem is a modern classic, combining minimalist design with natural flow, creating a course that feels like it’s always belonged to the land. Exclusive, serene, and unforgettable. @theoldefarm/ InstagramDesigned by William S. Flynn and opened in 1923. One of Virginia’s most historic golf experiences, the Cascades Course weaves through forests, streams, and limestone ridges. It’s old-school charm meets mountain drama, with every hole offering a blend of beauty and strategy. @omnihomestead/ InstagramDesigned by Mike Strantz and opened in 1997. Inspired by the legendary links of Ireland, Royal New Kent offers windswept dunes, rugged bunkers, and flowing fescue. It’s a wild ride through rolling Virginia countryside, with every shot feeling like a trip across the Atlantic. @royalnewkentgc/ InstagramOriginal design influenced by Fred Findlay, with updates over the decades. The main course opened in 1929. Wrapped around a stately clubhouse that once served as a plantation house, Farmington combines history with elegance. The mountain backdrop adds character, while the layout challenges without overwhelming, perfect for a scenic round. Via Farmington Country ClubDesigned by Tom Fazio and opened in 1990. Tucked into wetlands along Fine Creek, The Foundry is a walking-only course with a strong caddie tradition. It’s designed for pure golf enjoyment—quiet, thoughtful, and built for those who love the game’s traditions. Via The Foundry Golf ClubDesigned by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1963, renovated by Rees Jones in 2017. This Williamsburg favorite blends heritage with modern refinement. After a complete renovation, the course features slick greens and striking bunkers, making it both visually stunning and strategically engaging. Via Golden Horseshoe Golf ClubDesigned by Tom Fazio and opened in 1996. Bayville transformed flat land into a landscape of lakes, ridges, and swales. With water in play throughout the round, it’s a course where precision is rewarded and scenery keeps you inspired. Via Bayville Golf ClubOriginally designed by Arthur Hills, the course underwent redesign updates in 2015. Perched high above the Potomac River, this layout brings drama to every hole. Long carries, sweeping views, and riverside fairways combine to create one of Virginia’s most photogenic golf experiences. Via Trump National Golf ClubDesigned originally by Donald Ross, with updates over time. Course dates to 1936. One of Virginia’s oldest private clubs, this Ross original has been thoughtfully updated for modern play. Rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and its Arlington location give it a classic yet metropolitan charm. @thehubertcheung/ InstagramDesigned by Lester George and Vinny Giles and opened in 2001. A course with a twist—Kinloch features a fun “19th hole,” a short par three nicknamed the “settle-the-bet.” Beyond the novelty, the course itself is strategic and serene, blending creative design with a welcoming atmosphere. Via Kinloch Golf ClubDesigned by Pete Dye and Alice Dye and opened in 2014. This course is bold, dramatic, and full of character. Rolling through Virginia’s Hunt Country, it challenges golfers with deceptive angles, unpredictable bounces, and plenty of charm. Via Keswick HallDesigned by Ed Carton and opened in 2006. Originally meant to be part of a “Sam Snead Golf Trail,” Spring Creek has grown into a modern favorite. Wide fairways, approachable greens, and an inviting layout make it one of the most enjoyable public golf experiences in Virginia. @springcreekgolfclub/ InstagramDesigned by Tom Fazio and opened in 1992. Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, The Virginian is member-friendly yet far from ordinary. Its wide landing areas welcome all, but subtle contours and fast greens ensure plenty of challenge for the seasoned player. Via The Virginian Golf Club
