Check out what Chubby had to say, at what is a really intriguing time for golf.
Q: Who of the British golfers will be the strongest this year?
The obvious one is Tyrrel Hatton. He is going to be as good as Rory in the Majors. He is a proper player with a proper mentality and manages his game better than anyone else.
Hatton is the best from about 115 yards. If he does not knock it within three feet, something is wrong. He has the perfect game and mentality for the Majors. All his getting angry and poncing about is just a cover – it does not affect him at all. That’s just him.
I admire what Hatton is doing. He has played his way onto the team in six or seven starts, with his Wentworth win counting. He is world number eight, and no one is noticing how good he is. He will go to the fun golf in Saudi and be the same, swearing with abandon!
Funnily enough, his “badness” is an advantage. People want to watch him because of how he is. He is bonkers, but he can play. All these guys with white peak hats are the same, but Hatton stands out. He is funniest when he has missed a putt and is bending his caddy’s ear off. He is articulate and bright too. He will be the best of the Brits.
Q: What’s happening with Tommy Fleetwood?
Like many, I have been disappointed by Tommy Fleetwood. He is not following through, and I do not know why. Maybe moving to America, then Dubai, has unsettled him.
I do not know if he has got the character for it. He does not have the steel Hatton has. Rory does not either. If Rory had Hatton’s steel and managed his game like Hatton does, he would win everything because he is the most talented guy out there.
In Dubai, Rory gives everyone a head start because he does not play for a month. First round, he is six behind and then tries to catch up. That Dubai Desert Classic is one of the best tournaments to watch because of the eagle chances on the back nine.
I hit the first shot in the first Dubai Desert Classic. In the bunker left! That was a long time ago – 1988 or 1989.
Q: What are your thoughts looking ahead to the Team Cup?
I do not think it affects Ryder Cup selection, but it helps once the team is set. For young lads, it is invaluable to get to know the others. Hatton in the team room is different. The young guys will not know him well but will walk away thinking, “I’m glad he is on our team.”
Do not ask me why the Europeans did not do well – I have no idea.
Q: How would you pick the Ryder Cup team right now?
You can pick eight already: Hatton, Rory, Rahm, Fleetwood, McIntyre, Lowry, Åberg, and Sepp Straka. Then there are a bunch playing for four spots.
One is Matt Fitzpatrick. He has dropped off the face of the earth. Is he injured? Even a half-decent Fitz makes the team. He is tough. If you needed someone for a six-footer to win the Ryder Cup, you would want him. He has got six months to prove himself.
The Højgaard brothers are mysteries. Nicolai played last time, so he is close, but I think Rasmus is better. Then there is Niklas Norgaard Moller. He has got 30 yards on everyone. He might be great in four balls – a real joker in the pack.
You need two or three good rookies. It worked last time. Laurie Canter has come from nowhere and plays well. Not an immediate pick but could do something. There are about 10 like him. Jordan Smith and Matt Wallis are good but behind the others I mentioned.
Team selection is scientific now. Europe are nearly favorites, and we are not good at being favorites. We are great underdogs.
Q: Who will win the Masters, and why?
Scott Scheffler.
He has got an all-round brilliant game – no weaknesses. His putting, once a weakness, is now solid. I think he will win two Majors this year. Not sure which, but he could win any of the four.
Hatton could win any of the four, too. He is tough. Rory could as well, but it is hard to know which Rory will turn up. If it rains all week at Augusta, Rory could win by miles. He needs it soft. His Hoylake win was on a soft Open course, which suited him.
Winning Augusta is such a big deal for Rory. His 2010 collapse left a mark. You can imagine him driving to Augusta and not being excited like he would be elsewhere.
One or two players will come from nowhere. Aldberg might get near something.
Q: What about the US PGA at Quail Hollow?
Quail Hollow is Rory’s best bet this year. He has won there three or four times. He knows the course, feels comfortable, and knows the locker room attendant – it makes a difference.
Q: Can Xander Schauffele back up his strong 2024 with another major win this year?
Xander’s confidence is key. He is as tough as teak, and his game suits the US Open. I’m talking him up, but I think he is hard to beat. There are another 10 behind him who could challenge.
Rahm is always a contender. He is tough too. I think he would plant one on you if you crossed him!
Q: Finally, who is your pick for the British Open at Portrush?
Hatton is my pick because he will win at least one Major. Portrush is unique. If it’s windy, Shane Lowry could win. If it is blowing 30 mph, maybe Andy Clarke.
Hatton will feature in all four Majors, but I think he will win one. He has won eight tournaments, five of them Rolex Series. That tells you something.
