Rory McIlroy Shocked by Golf Star's Dramatic Transformation: "He Moves Like the Titanic!"

TYRRELL HATTON got another telling-off from Rory McIlroy – but this time for the pounds he has piled on, and not the pounds he refuses to stump up in fines.

Hatton said McIlroy was absolutely “horrified” to hear that he had put on over a stone since the Ryder Cup at the end of September.

Rory McIlroy was shocked when he heard the weight Tyrrell Hatton has put onCredit: AP The golfer has been competing in the Dubai Desert ClassicCredit: The Times

The mood between the European team-mates was expected to be a bit frosty, after in the Ryder Cup by settling their fines for appearing in LIV events.

But they chatted like old friends in the opening round of the Dubai Desert Classic.

And after shooting a two under par 70 – three shots better than his erratic playing partner – defending champion said the talk centred mostly on their shared love of wine. And Hatton’s weight!

He explained: “We didn’t really talk about the fines business. It was me mainly asking if he had any good wine over Christmas to be honest.

“And he did. It was better than the wine I was drinking but my wine was very nice, too. But then he was horrified to hear what weight I was on January 1.

“I was just under 190 pounds at the , but I was up to 204 at the start of January – which, at five foot eight, is pretty aggressive!

“I enjoyed my December. I did do some training, but not much. I did zero cardio and a lot of drinking.

“And I had a Guinness tap set up in the house, which was enjoyable. So now it’s time to lose a bit of weight.

“I did Dry January last year, and it’s too late to go again. But I’m trying for Damp January instead.

“I could feel the difference in my weight out there today. I was turning like the Titanic. I still feel pretty stiff.

“The backswing isn’t too much of a problem although when I started it felt it was even shorter than Jon’s, which is not ideal. He’s a bit stronger than me, so he can generate a bit more clubhead speed.

“It still feels early for me so really pleased to get it round a couple under par. As I said, I feel rusty. But I’m just trying my best to play as well as I can.

“From now on it’s a bit more time in the gym and avoiding alcohol. Sad times.”

Hatton’s initial reaction to McIlroy’s remarks about the fines imposed on all LIV golfers who play in events opposite DP World Tour starts – which could amount almost £1million a year – was one of shock.

But he insisted it had not caused any bad blood between them.

He added: “I didn’t think we needed to talk about that. We’re out there to focus on trying to play good , and that was pretty hard to do in the windy conditions we played in.

Hatton had no issues with McIlroy’s comments about paying finesCredit: Getty Francesco Molinari is the shock leader at the Dubai Desert ClassicCredit: Getty

“I ended up seeing exactly what was said. And as he said, that’s his opinion. Everyone’s allowed an opinion. So I’ve got nothing more to add to that.

“I guess something will get sorted, and hopefully, some time soon. I think everyone is pretty keen for that to happen.”

Francesco Molinari emerged as a shock leader with a stunning seven under par 65.

Molinari, 43, has been in the doldrums since , and he has been tipped as the next European captain – possibly sharing the role with brother Edoardo.

But after serving as a vice-captain for Europe’s victories in Rome and New York, Molinari would love to see Luke Donald stay on for a third term.

He commented: “Obviously, we are all waiting to hear from Luke. He’s earned the right to take his time and make his decision.

“I think we are all honestly wishing for him to come back one more time, all the players and basically all the team that’s been working with him the last three-and-a-half years.”