Ping Signs Tyrrell Hatton to Multi-Year Deal After G450 Driver Sighting

Tyrrell Hatton was spotted using a new Ping driver during a practice round at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship.

The club is believed to be the Ping G450 LST, which hit the USGA's Conforming List just this Monday.

Three G450 models appear on the list: Max, LST (Low Spin), and SFT (Straight Flight Draw).

A MiniMax model — likely a mini driver — is also listed.

Ping built a prototype mini driver earlier this year, and multiple tour players used it.

This could be a full retail version launching soon.

Hatton was seen with the new driver at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi.

This is his first tournament since officially leaving the LIV Golf League.

He is one of many notable names in the 70-man field at the first of two DP World Tour playoff events.

Previously, Hatton used the Ping G430 LST and Ping G440 LST drivers throughout the 2026 season.

He alternated between them regularly.

In Abu Dhabi, the new driver had a back weight port and the Carbonfly Wrap crown.

Those features are now standard on Ping's best drivers and fairway woods.

The shaft also appears to have changed.

At the Open de Espana, Hatton used a bright blue Mitsubishi Diamana TB 60 TX shaft.

In Abu Dhabi, a black-and-white Diamana shaft was in play.

The exact model of the new shaft is not yet known.

Hatton is not the only Ping staffer in the field this week.

Joe Dean, Dan Bradbury, and Thriston Lawrence are also using Ping clubs at Yas Links.

It is unclear whether any of them have the new G450 driver in the bag.

The sighting comes amid major upheaval in professional golf.

On Wednesday night, BC Partners — the credit firm planning to save LIV Golf — pulled out of a $300 million deal.

LIV's lawyers confirmed Thursday that the league would be wound down.

Hatton learned the news at breakfast on the first day of the tournament.

"I don't have social media on my phone so it's kind of news to me," he told reporters after shooting a first-round 67.

"I already said I wasn't continuing with 2.0 but it's sad."

"There was a lot of great people that worked on LIV and a lot of people lost their jobs so that's pretty sad in itself."

"I had some great memories on LIV."

Hatton won twice during his three seasons on LIV, including at Valderrama in June.

He earned nearly $20 million in prize money on the circuit.

He now plans to play a full season on the DP World Tour.

After that, he will attempt to secure a PGA Tour card for the 2028 season.

Jon Rahm, Hatton's former LIV teammate, also addressed the league's collapse after his first round.

Rahm shot a seven-under 65 at Yas Links.

"No reaction really," Rahm said.

"I kind of had an idea what might happen."

"My decision was already made to get out of it and go on."

The equipment news is significant for Ping fans.

Last year, at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in November, Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood were seen using the TaylorMade Qi4D driver.

Those clubs were released to the public in early January.

If Ping follows a similar timeline, the G450 range could launch in early 2027.

The G450's appearance on the Conforming List on Monday confirms that retail availability is approaching.

Ping typically seeds new equipment to tour players several weeks before a public launch.

Hatton's decision to put the G450 in play immediately signals confidence in the club.

The driver sighting also highlights Ping's push to retain top talent after the LIV shakeup.

Hatton is one of the biggest names to rejoin the DP World Tour full-time.

His multi-year deal with Ping ensures the brand's flagship driver stays in his bag.

The Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship carries a $9 million purse.

It is the first of two playoff events on the DP World Tour schedule.

The tournament is being played amid regional tensions in the Middle East.

The DP World Tour issued emergency procedures to all involved.

A statement titled "Mobile Phone Alerts & Emergency Procedures" explains that play will be suspended immediately if UAE authorities issue a mobile phone alert.

Players and staff on the course should evacuate according to plans and proceed to the clubhouse.

Despite the uncertainty, the field includes 70 players competing for a significant prize.

Hatton's practice round with the new driver gives golf fans a first look at what could be Ping's 2027 flagship.

The G450 LST is designed for low spin and high speed.

The Carbonfly Wrap crown reduces weight while increasing forgiveness.

The back weight port allows players to adjust swing weight and feel.