Paul McGinley agrees with golf fan's observation about Tyrrell Hatton alongside Rory McIlroy

Paul McGinley has agreed with a golf fan's observation that Tyrrell Hatton appeared noticeably calmer than usual while playing alongside Rory McIlroy during the third round of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

Hatton carded an impressive 4-under 68 at Jumeirah Golf Estates on Saturday to take a one-shot lead into Sunday's final round, with the Englishman seemingly keeping his emotions in check for much of the day alongside the grand slam champion.

The often fiery Hatton has become renowned for wearing his heart on his sleeve on the golf course, regularly expressing his frustrations following errant shots and missed putts. 

However, his Saturday performance prompted an interesting discussion among golf fans, with one golf fan turning to former European Ryder Cup captain McGinley for his thoughts.

The fan posted on X: "Hey @mcginleygolf, wondering your thoughts as to why Hatton was so much more subdued playing with Rory today?

"Just his good play overall or respect of his playing partner? Def a huge difference compared to his typical antics. Curious minds…"

McGinley was quick to agree with the observation, suggesting that McIlroy's presence may have helped Hatton maintain a more composed approach.

"Good observation," the Sky Sports Golf and Golf Channel analyst replied.

"It certainly helped him today to be that way and for me it was probably respect to Rory as well as maybe knowing he has let himself down a few times this week. Absolute world class player when focused."

Hatton responds to McIlroy's comments

McGinley's assessment becomes particularly interesting given McIlroy's own comments ahead of the pair's third-round outing.

After the two players shared the halfway lead, McIlroy joked that he hoped Hatton would "get out of bed on the right side", a remark that appeared to reference the Englishman's unpredictable temperament.

Hatton suggested the pair enjoy a positive relationship when asked about McIlroy's comments by The Scotsman following Saturday's round.

"Yeah, I feel like we get on pretty well," Hatton told the publication.

"I would say we enjoy each other's company and obviously he'll be disappointed with how he's scored today. It wasn't easy, but you expect Rors to come out tomorrow and play a great round of golf and I'm sure he will."

Hatton outscored six-time major champion McIlroy by four shots on Saturday, with the Northern Irishman carding a level-par 72 to fall four shots behind his playing partner.

The Englishman's on-course demeanour has long been a talking point, with Hatton previously insisting he has no intention of changing his personality simply because some people dislike his behaviour.

That was evident during this year's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at Carnoustie, where he repeatedly slammed his club into a bunker after a frustrating shot.

Reflecting on his reputation, Hatton said: "We'll be 13 years down the line, and it's not got any better, has it? I think maybe you guys have just got a bit more used to me, so you don't give me as much stick now.

"That's how I've always played. I appreciate that at times it crosses the line and I'm fully aware of when I've done that. I'll hold my hands up. That's how I play golf. Whether you like it or not, I'm not going to change for that reason. It's just me."

Hatton chasing Rolex Series record in Dubai

Hatton will not have the benefit of playing alongside McIlroy during Sunday's final round, with the Englishman set to partner France's Victor Perez at 12pm local time (8am GMT).

McIlroy, meanwhile, will tee off alongside England's Dan Bradbury at 11.30am local time (7.30am GMT).

Although Hatton cannot win the DP World Tour's season-long Race to Dubai title, he has plenty to play for on Sunday. 

The 35-year-old is chasing a first DP World Tour Championship victory, which would also mark his ninth career title on the circuit. 

A win would additionally see him match Jon Rahm's record of six Rolex Series victories.

Hatton and Rahm, both former LIV Golf teammates at Legion XIII, are expected to play full schedules on the DP World Tour over the next 12 months, despite remaining suspended from the PGA Tour.

Other notable names are also set to return to the European circuit, with Sergio Garcia expected to compete full-time in 2027. The record Ryder Cup points scorer and former Masters champion has full category status on the DP World Tour next season. 

LIV Golf's record nine-time winner Joaquin Niemann and three-time DP World Tour champion Lucas Herbert have also reportedly been invited to play at least 15 tournaments next season, and more former LIV Golf stars are also expected to receive similar opportunities in 2027. 

McIlroy, meanwhile, has his own piece of history within reach on Sunday. 

The Northern Irishman needs to win the DP World Tour Championship or finish second to have a chance of matching Colin Montgomerie's record eight Order of Merit titles.

Spain's Eugenio Chacarra is currently projected to spoil McIlroy's recent annual Race to Dubai party. 

Chacarra, who has won three times on the DP World Tour this season, sits alongside McIlroy at 5-under par heading into Sunday.

McIlroy is looking to win the Race to Dubai for a fifth consecutive season, and also win the DP World Tour Championship for a record fourth time. 

Rahm also remains in contention for a second Race to Dubai title, although he must win a record fourth DP World Tour Championship for any chance to secure the season-long crown.

The Spaniard starts six shots behind Hatton at 3-under par after enduring a frustrating third round, which included a shocking four-putt from eight feet for a double-bogey six.

Rahm subsequently plucked his ball out of the cup and launched it into the water. 

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