Rory McIlroy’s push to make history continues at WGC-HSBC Champions

Michael Thompson loves to read, and for that, he surely has his mother to thank. She was an English teacher, and he was losing himself in the wonder of books long before he ever wrapped his fingers around the grip of a golf club. Even now, as he travels around the world making his living on the PGA TOUR, he always has at least one book in his suitcase to help him get his mind off golf. A bound book with words on paper, too – no Kindles or iPads for him. “No, I like the actual physical book,” Thompson says. “I like turning pages. I don’t like staring at a screen for very long, so I try to travel with the actual book.” Among Thompson’s go-to authors is Clive Cussler. He especially likes the Dirk Pitt series, which he started reading again earlier this year. Pitt is the larger-than-life adventurer and decorated aviator featured in Cussler’s novels from 1976 to 2019. It probably doesn’t hurt that Pitt’s character has a collection of classic cars, either. Thompson shares that interest with the protagonist — and Cussler the author, as well — and even taught himself how to rebuild a 1967 Ford Mustang fastback, as well as other special rides. One of Thompson’s favorite books of all time is Where the Red Fern Grows. He was an Eagle Scout, and the plot, which centers on a young boy in the Ozarks and his two redbone coonhounds, resonates with him, as does Jack London’s classic,The Call of the Wild. “I just love the story of being in the woods and a little boy growing up with his dogs and kind of the struggle of life as a kid and hunting and teaching your dog how to do the things you want to do,” he says. “And I always loved being outdoors. I was in the Boy Scouts growing up, so anything kind of mountain-to-cabin just was kind of real romantic to me.” Historical fiction is another of Thompson’s interests, along with biographies and autobiographies. The two-time PGA TOUR winner is also very process-oriented – remember the rebuilt Ford Mustang? – so he enjoys books that help with setting and accomplishing goals. “I like reading those as well because they’re encouraging and just motivating,” Thompson says. Lately, though, Thompson has found himself imparting his love of reading to the next generation. His mom has helped, too, sending some of the books she once read to Thompson to her grandson Jace and granddaughter Laurel. “I have two little kids now, so she’s been going through the closet at home and finding all the children’s books that we used to read and, and she’s given me a bunch of them,” Thompson says. “They have the date of one when we got them either Christmas or birthday gifts. “… It’s just cool to go back and see actually see the physical book and remember like how old I was when I first remember reading it and being read those books. It’s just cool.” Jace likes the Berenstain Bears and Dr. Seuss. But like most little boys, he’s also into lizards and snakes so there’s an amphibian encyclopedia that’s high on his reading list right now, too. And the precocious youngster also has a book that’s teaching him about weather. “He’s always asking, Daddy, let’s read it. Can you read this to me?” Thompson says, smiling broadly. “He’s got his favorite ones like there was one that was the green pit viper. He’s just all into snakes right now. … And then he likes reading about the haboobs and weather patterns, the big dust storms. “It’s fun to see him kind of latch onto some of that. And remember the facts and the statistics with regards to all of the characteristics of the different animals and that kind of thing.” Laurel, on the other hand, is a toddler, so her attention span is limited. “She’ll sit there for a little bit, but then she wants to run around and play,” Thompson says with a laugh. “But she’ll get into it.” And when Laurel does, Thompson and his wife Rachel will be ready. “It’s the fun part of being a parent,” he says.

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ORLANDO, Fla. - Tyrrell Hatton has spent some interesting stages of his life in Orlando. In 2012, he was a green mini-tour pro visiting America from England, doing his best to scratch out a living on the Hooters Tour. He lived with three roommates and was bankrolled by members of his home club at Harleyford, Move forward eight years, and Hatton showed up to the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard last March hovering just outside the top 20 in the world, his stock rising. He had yet to win on the PGA TOUR. Hatton hung tough on a brutal weekend, made some hard-fought closing pars, and emerged as a champion. The trophy and winner's red cardigan (a fashionable Palmer staple) was given to Hatton on the 18th green in front of an amphitheater filled with thousands of fans. It would be the last tournament contested on the PGA TOUR - and one of the last sporting events staged anywhere - without COVID-19 restrictions. Five days later at THE PLAYERS Championship, the PGA TOUR would shut down for three months. This week's Arnold Palmer Invitational will be played in front of a limited gallery, estimated at 4,000-5,000 people a day. Hatton looks forward to any level of atmosphere that fans can provide after competing in near silence for months. "We've missed the fans," he said. "That's normally such a huge part of every tournament, the atmosphere that they create. The buzz on a Sunday afternoon is something we've all been used to. We love that. I just think having fans back again in any capacity is going to be a great thing for the TOUR." Winning at Bay Hill last March sparked a torrid run for Hatton. When he resumed play after a 15-week break, Hatton finished T3 and T4 in his first two starts (RBC Heritage and Rocket Mortgage Classic). Since June, he posted his fifth and sixth European Tour victories - the BMW PGA Championship last fall and Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January - amid a handful of other top-10 worldwide finishes. With his financial windfall, Hatton purchased a residence at Lake Nona, about 20 minutes from Bay Hill. It's a long way from where he started, playing mini-tours in town. Somewhat quietly, Hatton will tee it up at Bay Hill as the sixth-ranked player in the world (he was fifth last week). Among Europeans, only Spain's Jon Rahm (second) is ranked higher, and Hatton is a lock to play in his second Ryder Cup in September. (European captain Padraig Harrington called Hatton "a Ryder Cup dream.") "For me, I look at it as kind of surreal," said Hatton, who hails from Marlow in County Buckinghamshire. "I don't sort of change anything with my routine, or think of myself any differently. I try to go to every single tournament and try my best when I get there, and if you are able to play good golf, the world rankings is a byproduct of that." At World No. 6, does he believe he will keep climbing? "It's really cool to be where I'm at in the World Rankings at the moment, and I'm hoping I can keep playing well," he said. "It would be nice to try to get higher. We'll see how we go." Hatton, who doesn't turn 30 until October, often gets left off the list of the game's top twentysomethings. He has many strengths in his game, and few weaknesses. For starters, few players hit it any straighter, and that helps Hatton create plenty of quality approaches (he ranked fourth in 2019-20 in Strokes Gained: Approach The Green) and birdie opportunities. He averaged 4.55 birdies a round last season, second best on TOUR. Hatton also ranked 10th in scoring (69.50) and finished seventh in the FedExCup standings despite making only 11 PGA TOUR starts (he finished top 10 in six of them). He is the complete package, with a swing honed by his father, Jeff Hatton, an instructor and clubfitter who build a makeshift golf studio in the garage at Tyrrell's grandmother's house in England. (Jeff Hatton is a busy man these days; golfers are asked to book lessons at least a week ahead.) When Tyrrell's swing feels a little off, which is rare these days, he sends off video to his father to have a look. They often return to discussing the very basics. Hatton will readily admit that nobody is tougher on Tyrrell Hatton than Tyrrell Hatton. Some of his post-shot antics in the fairways and histrionics after missed putts are the stuff of YouTube legend, on both sides of the pond. ("We all know what the sound is when the teapot is ready," NBC's Paul Azinger quipped as Hatton double-bogeyed a hole during last year's API.) David Feherty made the astute observation that Hatton is nice to everybody but himself. Hatton even participated in a European Tour video spoof titled "Angry Golfers," a group session led by fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood. The entertaining spot is funny and quite clever, and has received rave reviews. In it, a sheepish Hatton, newest group member, keeps his head bowed as he shamefully introduces himself thusly: "I'm Tyrrell, and I'm an angry golfer." A playful collection of players that includes Ian Poulter, Henrik Stenson, Matt Wallace and Eddie Pepperell responds in concert, "Hi, Tyrrell." "It was good fun filming," Hatton said. He laughed. "If there was an ‘outtakes' video released, I think that would be even better. It was great it went down so well, and got such a great reaction." The funny part is, as combustible and emotional as Hatton can be on the golf course, he is known as a low-key, very funny, sweet young man off it. Rest assured, all his peers know he is loaded with game. "He's always been a really good player, and I think he himself has held himself back," Poulter, Hatton's fellow Englishman, said at the Puerto Rico Open. "Like we've all said. I think he's now getting out of his own way, and he's playing great golf. He's got a good caddie on the bag - my old, old caddie, Mick (Donaghy) - who is a real good caddie. He is a strong personality, which someone like Tyrrell needs on the bag. "As we've seen, he's overly vocal, but a good guy - a great guy - off the golf course. Real easy-going, a super kid to hang around with. And his consistency has been impressive." A year ago, playing in demanding, firm conditions at Bay Hill - the final round scoring average was 76 - Hatton closed with seven pars to shoot 74 and prevail. He hit great approaches into 17 (whistling a 5-iron past a back flag) and 18 (7-iron safely over the Devil's Bathtub) to set up stress-free pars and his first TOUR victory. His 4-under 284 was the highest winning score in the 42-year history of the API. "For me to get my first PGA TOUR win at Bay Hill, it's such an iconic venue, and having Mr. Palmer's name attached is a huge honor," Hatton said. "What he did for golf is incredibly special, and his legacy lives on. As a player, it's definitely an event on the schedule that you always look forward to playing, and I definitely look forward to defending the trophy." For a self-admitted "Angry Golfer," these days, Hatton seems to be a pretty happy guy.

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Only one thing can bump the lede this week – another reminder that the Farmers Insurance Open is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. As a result, the roster deadline for PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf is 9:00 a.m. PT. That’s noon on the East Coast. Adjust accordingly. All right, hopefully you arrived here without too much trouble. Whatever your experience, thank you for making the effort and, as always, for your loyalty. Indeed, the Fantasy Insider now is Draws & Fades. RELATED: Five Things to Know: Torrey Pines | How to watch Wednesday start That’s it. Nothing else changes. It’s just a rebranding. Everything you’ve come to expect from this space remains, well, except for my lineup at PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf. That’s over in Expert Picks where it always has been. Once ShotLink was removed from scoring, it became redundant to park it here, too. I’d ask for you to tell the others of the name change, but I learned long ago in this business that the more I help you, the less you share it. As a result of that, it’s still a strange feeling when any gamer spreads the word, but, and of course, it’s always appreciated. With that message out of the way, you know what to do at the Farmers Insurance Open. As noted in Monday’s Power Rankings, the North Course at Torrey Pines will surrender much lower scores in comparison to the South, so exploit it. With the North co-hosting the first and second rounds, PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf gamers can map out a maximum of six starts on it. Weather conditions should be similar in both rounds, so it won’t matter if you load up with four in either round or split it into three per. POWER RANKINGS WILD CARD Scottie Scheffler (+110 for a Top 20) … Consider him as an extension of the Power Rankings proper. Paid off sneaking inside the cut line at The American Express with a Sunday 67 and a T25. You love to see it. He’s 0-for-2 at the Farmers but connected for a T7 at the 2021 U.S. Open, so he deserves our trust. DRAWS Daniel Berger (+200 for a Top 10) … It took him a while but he finally got over on Torrey Pines for a T7 at the 2021 U.S. Open. He’s been dynamite just about everywhere for two years, so it’s fair to say that he’s a snub from the Power Rankings. Jordan Spieth (+160 for a Top 20) … He’s never contended at Torrey Pines – last year’s T19 in the U.S. Open equaled his best finish in six Farmers starts (2014) – but this is as simple as being able to trust in him again. His last missed cut anywhere was here last year, but that’s a long time ago. The site is a coincidence. Dustin Johnson (+100 for a Top 20) … This is just his second start of the season and first in over three months since a T45 at THE CJ CUP @ SUMMIT. It’s especially hard to believe given the time of year because he didn’t qualify for the Sentry TOC, but don’t let that fool you into a no-play. He’s logged 30 rounds in this tournament where he’s 6-for-9 with three top 20s (albeit it’s been six years since his most recent) and another four en route to a T19 at the 2021 U.S. Open. Go ahead and let this dog eat. Brooks Koepka (+150 for a Top 20) … He never makes it easy on us, but I believe his rhetoric about wanting to perform consistently stronger in non-majors. He wouldn’t put himself out there if that wasn’t the case. A T4 in last year’s U.S. Open is his only top 40 among two paydays in four appearances at Torrey Pines, so he’s had success here. Yeah, yeah, that was a major, but the stage showcases the best for a reason. Joaquin Niemann (+275 for a Top 20) … His 3-for-3 record at Torrey Pines is highlighted by a T31 at the 2021 U.S. Open, but he closed out his first two Farmers with an 80 and a 75, respectively. So, as every touring professional can attest, it’s just a matter of putting four rounds together. Although he closed out the fall with a pair of missed cuts, he’s battled for paydays at an exponentially higher rate than even gamers realize. Keegan Bradley Corey Conners Talor Gooch Billy Horschel Sungjae Im Matt Jones Maverick McNealy J.T. Poston Brandt Snedeker Matthew Wolff Odds sourced on Monday, January 24 at 5 a.m. ET. For live odds visit betmgm. FADES Hudson Swafford … It’s not wrong to label The American Express as a putting contest, but only when you accept that those putts better be for par breakers. He averaged 13 greens in regulation per round to rank T21 and converted a higher percentage into par breakers (55.77%; 29-for-52) than everyone else. He used the same formula to prevail at Corales in 2020, and he acknowledged his timely knack for finding the hole that week. Putting isn’t necessarily a strength, but it’s not a liability, either, so we need him to put it on display in consecutive starts. At Torrey Pines, he’s cashed only once (T13, 2016) in five trips, so we can play the role as spectator this week. Mackenzie Hughes … Off to a blazing start this season with a T4 (ZOZO) and a solo second (RSM) baked into a 5-for-5 record. He’s also signed for a pair of 62s and a 63. I’m inclined to go all-in or abstain completely because he hasn’t made much noise at the Farmers (2-for-5, no top 25s), but he did finish T15 here at the 2021 U.S. Open. This typically means that he’d be a gamechanger in DFS. Mito Pereira … Given how he seemed to be everywhere last summer – because he was – it’s been odd not to follow him for over two months now. After opening his rookie season with a solo third at Silverado, he lowered his sails by comparison, so use the deep field at Torrey Pines as an opportunity to see how he fares in his debut. Cameron Champ Jason Day Rickie Fowler Emiliano Grillo Keith Mitchell Patrick Rodgers Jhonattan Vegas Gary Woodland RETURNING TO COMPETITION Bryson DeChambeau (+180 for a Top 10) … He’s in the Power Rankings, but it’s relevant to add here that this is his first start since citing a sore left wrist that precluded his appearance at Waialae two weeks ago. It shouldn’t be surprising given how he tests the limits of his body, but we also shouldn’t be concerned given his intelligence in resolving challenges. In other words, trust him. NOTABLE WDs Charley Hoffman … This stinks as it would have been his 25th appearance at the Farmers. The San Diego native hasn’t competed since missing the cut at Mayakoba in early November. He withdrew early from Houston with a sore back, and he was an early exit from last week’s Amex. Lucas Herbert … He’s committed to the DP WORLD Tour’s Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic. The recent winner of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship is juggling the welcome problem of calculating when to honor obligations on multiple circuits. We watch it happen every year with dual-tour members. K.H. Lee … Connected for his sixth consecutive payday last week, but closed with a 76 and a three-way share of 63rd place. Whatever. He’s rapidly become a favorite among hardcore gamers and he’s 74th in the FedExCup. Nate Lashley … After opening this season with three paydays in as many starts, he’s gone just 1-for-5 with a T51 at Sea Island. The 39-year-old deserves consideration only in the deepest of full-season formats. Ryan Moore … After missing the cut at The American Express, he’s down to three starts on his Major Medical Extension to earn 94.203 FedExCup points and retain status. His safety net is conditional status, but the 39-year-old is too close to the primary target to settle for that. Still, it makes it difficult to own him in any long-term format until he shows signs of escaping the worst-case scenario, not to mention the proof that he can put four rounds together again. Kelly Kraft … Has five starts on his medical, but he’s safe all season as a Korn Ferry Tour grad. It’s just that there’s only one paycheck on the board in eight starts this season. Chris Stroud … Yet another on a medical extension, his in the KFT graduate reshuffle category. With 14 starts remaining, he can spread those over quite a bit of the remainder of the season and not sweat it in the short-term. RECAP – THE AMERICAN EXPRESS POWER RANKINGS Power Ranking Golfer Result 1 Jon Rahm T14 2 Patrick Cantlay 9th 3 Matthew Wolff MC 4 Scottie Scheffler T25 5 Sungjae Im T11 6 Seamus Power T14 7 Tony Finau T40 8 Corey Conners MC 9 Talor Gooch MC 10 Abraham Ancer T40 11 Justin Rose T33 12 Patrick Reed T55 13 Michael Thompson MC 14 Cameron Tringale MC 15 Will Zalatoris T6 Wild Card Si Woo Kim T11 SLEEPERS Golfer (Prop) Result Sebastián Muñoz (top 20) MC J.T. Poston (top 20) T25 Rory Sabbatini (top 20) MC Brendan Steele (top 20) MC Vince Whaley (top 20) T40 GOLFBET Bet, Result Hayden Buckley – Top 30 (+310) MC BIRTHDAYS AMONG ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE PGA TOUR January 25 … Andrew Putnam (33) January 26 … Adam Schenk (30); Nick Hardy (26) January 27 … Jonathan Byrd (44) January 28 … none January 29 … none January 30 … none January 31 … none

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