HATTON'S BACK IN THE SWING

Tyrrell growing a Major love affair for Augusta

- Neil McLeman

TYRRELL HATTON'S hatred for Augusta National could finally be becoming a love affair.

The Ryder Cup star, who forms Team Angry with Jon Rahm for Europe, struggled to hide his dislike for the Georgia course and conditions here earlier in his career.

In 2022, the now world No.18 branded the course set-up as "unfair" after weekend rounds of 79 and 80. Last year, after ranting about slow play on the Friday, he said he was stopping himself voicing his real thoughts about Augusta National after four-putting the final green for a painful double-bogey on Saturday.

But Hatton recovered to post his best finish here - tied ninth to complete a Grand Slam of Major top-10 finishes after a closing 69.

LIV's top player in the official rankings brought that form back to The Masters with an opening three-under 69 to sit a shot off the early clubhouse lead lead held by American Scottie Scheffler and Canadian Connors.