Tyrrell Hatton snaps club in half as Sky Sports commentator goes in on angry golfer

Tyrrell Hatton has been criticised by golf commentators after another outburst in Dubai. The player was playing his third shot to the par-five 14th at the season ending DP Tour World Championship, but managed to pull a straightforward approach left of the green.

He reacted furiously, banging his club head on the ground, causing the short iron's shaft to snap in half.

The incident was in keeping with his behaviour throughout much of the previous 13 holes. He regularly cursed himself and the Jumeirah Golf Estates course.

And after his latest moment of volatility, iconic commentator Ewen Murray decided he'd seen enough. "Oh no, no. It's time for change I'm afraid," said the Scot.

"What a terrible influence on the next generation. I'm sorry to say it, I'm his biggest supporter as a golfer. But just have a look at this. Why? Why would you do that? We've all had our moments but he's having too many of them."

Co-commentator Paul McGinley also weighed in. "I fully agree Ewen, I think we're all on the same page with that," he said. "The embarrassment that he's had this week with some of the things that have gone on with him may well force and instigate change.

"Because this is a guy who has had a great run the last few weeks remember. He won the Dunhill, second last week (in Abi Dhabi), been strong again this week and it's not like he's having a bad time with his game."

Ironically, Hatton recovered to make par then birdied the 15th to move nine under par, and back within three of the lead. "If he thinks this is a bad time in golf, then he's got no understanding about how it really is," added McGinley.

Hatton began the third round on eight under, tied for second with Rory McIlroy. But his 69 on Friday was overshadowed by a meltdown on the final hole, where his seemingly perfect drive had ended up with a difficult lie on the fairway due to a creek on the left-hand side.

Hatton responded by ranting about how he "despised everything" about the final hole. Caddie Hugo Dobson tried in vain to help his man retain focus, but the outburst continued and was picked up by television cameras.

The Ryder Cup player is only currently eligible for DP World Tour events while his appeal against the fines imposed him for joining LIV Golf is heard. The Englishman signed with the Saudi-backed tour in January this year.