Hatton and McIlroy talk wines not fines as Molinari takes Dubai lead

Francesco Molinari in action in the first round in Dubai. Picture: Getty Images

Tyrrell Hatton matched Shane Lowry by opening with a two-under 70, but denied there was any tension with an out-of-sorts Rory McIlroy in the first round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

McIlroy called on the LIV Golf star and his Legion XIII teammate Jon Rahm to pay their outstanding DP World Tour fines so they become eligible for Ryder Cup selection at Adare Manor next year.

Hatton hadn’t seen McIlroy’s pre-tournament comments when asked on Wednesday, but after getting up to speed before his opening round alongside the Holywood star and compatriot Tommy Fleetwood yesterday, it’s clear has no interest in conflict and said their on-course chat was more focused on fine wines than DP World Tour fines.

“We didn’t really talk about that,” Hatton said. “It was me mainly asking if he had any good wine over Christmas. It was better than the wine I was drinking, but my wine was very nice, too.”

As for McIlroy’s suggestion that the LIV Golf duo could pay up and prove their loyalty to Europe, Hatton responded: “I ended up seeing what was said. And as he said, that’s his opinion. Everyone is allowed an opinion. I guess something will get sorted, hopefully, soon. Everyone is pretty keen for that to happen.”

Hatton’s two-under 70 left him tied for 12th with Lowry, five strokes behind former Open champion Francesco Molinari, who shot 65 to lead by two shots from Sweden’s Mikael Lindberg.

Conditions were demanding for the early starters and McIlroy showed signs of rust en route to a morning 73 that left him joint 61st as Tom McKibbin shot 71 and Padraig Harrington a 72 when grouped together in the afternoon.

Molinari (43) made eight birdies in his 65 and with Luke Donald forced to withdraw before the start, citing illness, the Italian was asked about the 2027 Ryder Cup captaincy at Adare.

Donald has spoken to the Tour, but no decision has yet been made on his returning for a third successive term.

“Obviously, we are all waiting to hear from Luke,” said Molinari, who is the leading alternative. “He's earned the right to take his time and make the decision.

“We were all wishing for him to come back one more time, all the players and basically all the team that’s been working with him for the last four years.

“I’d never say no. I’d never turn it down if I’m asked. I’d love to do it, but if it doesn’t happen, there’s no issue.

"Everyone who was there (in Rome and New York) would love him to do it one more time.”