STAR HATTON GETS A REAL TITLE FRIGHT

TYRRELL HATTON admitted Ross Fisher’s new course record at St Andrews had spurred him on after successfully defending his Alfred Dunhill Links Championship title.

Hatton (above) began the day with a five-shot lead and held on to win by three to become the first man to retain the crown.

Runner-up Fisher (right) had the consolation of setting a course record with a brilliant final-round 61.

Buckinghamshire ace Hatton, 25, said: “I didn’t see a leaderboard on the back nine until the 16th green. Then I saw Fish was at 21-under and I was thinking how well he was going.

“So you know, fair play to him. It was an incredible round of golf, and he certainly did push me all the way.” Hatton dropped only two shots during the tournament to finish on 24-under, with a 66 yesterday ensuring his second European Tour title.

“Obviously I’m very happy,” added Hatton, who took a share of the previous course record of 62 when previously winning the tournament. “Winning this year felt a lot harder, I’m so happy that I got over the line.” Fisher threatened to close with a recordbreaking 59 but fell short of the magical figure as he parred the final three holes. Frenchman Victor Dubuisson finished third. Scotland’s Marc Warren and England’s Robert Rock both carded final-round 66s to tie for fourth.