BAGS OF FUN FOR HATTON

TYRRELL HATTON came through a tough summer to lead the British Masters – after hiring a childhood friend as caddie.

The Englishman shot 63, along with South Africa’s George Coetzee.

And although he won the Alfred Dunhill Links in the autumn, it has been hard going for Hatton.

He was back on song at Close House, going round in seven under with mate Jonathan Bell on his bag.

He said: “Through summer, I had too many opinions and just got on a bad run, and my putter was really cold. I’m not a technical person. Things weren’t clicking, but today they did.

“I’ve a friend on the bag. We started in Switzerland and are just trying to have a bit fun, which helps. I’ve known Jonathan since I was about seven. We played junior events together.”