The latest sign of improving relations between golf's governing bodies and LIV rebels is anticipated on Wednesday, with Tyrrell Hatton set to be included in the European Ryder Cup team's preparatory event in Abu Dhabi. Sergio García, on the other hand, will not be participating despite paying approximately £1m in fines to rejoin the DP World Tour.
The Team Cup, held at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in January, pits 10-player teams from Continental Europe against Great Britain and Ireland. Francesco Molinari and Justin Rose will captain the respective sides in this latest edition of the competition, which is highly regarded by Europe's Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald as a means to integrate and evaluate players. Donald has previously referred to the Middle East tournament as a 'dry run' for the Ryder Cup.
Hatton has participated in the Ryder Cups of 2018, 2021, and 2023. However, his future in the biennial event was uncertain after his move to the Saudi Arabian-backed LIV circuit in January this year. Hatton appealed the sanctions imposed on him by the DP World, formerly European, Tour, which allowed him to compete in end-of-season tournaments and maintain his membership. Hatton quickly regained attention; he faced significant criticism for breaking a club during the weekend's DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. Nonetheless, the 33-year-old's performance has also elevated him to third place in Europe's Ryder Cup rankings.
The Englishman's commitment to remaining part of the Ryder Cup – and Donald's willingness to include him – will be highlighted by his participation in the Team Cup. Hatton previously played in the event, then known as the Hero Cup, as a prelude to Europe's victory over the US last year. Hatton will join players like Tommy Fleetwood in Rose's GB&I side. Continental Europe is expected to feature Denmark's Højgaard twins, Rasmus and Nicolai.
García, however, will not have the same opportunity to rejoin the team environment so soon. Although the Spaniard has settled his fines, it is understood that the suspension he must serve from the DP World Tour will extend beyond the Team Cup and the subsequent Dubai Desert Classic. García's return to the DP World Tour is not expected until February at the earliest.
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