American pro John Catlin secured his first Asian Tour Order of Merit title after finishing T19th at the International Series Qatar, almost 1,280 points ahead of his nearest competitor, Ben Campbell. Catlin’s journey to success is particularly remarkable considering he only earned his tour card through Q-School in January, following a tough season where he lost his DP World Tour playing rights. However, after triumphing twice in 2024 and achieving high finishes in other events, Catlin’s name now sits alongside golfing greats like Thongchai Jaidee and Jeev Milkha Singh.
In an interview after his victory, Catlin expressed his disbelief at his achievement, emphasizing the hard work and dedication he put in to reach this milestone. He also shared his aspirations of winning multiple titles in the future, including becoming a team captain in the LIV Golf League and securing a Major championship victory. Despite already clinching the Order of Merit title, Catlin faces another challenge in the form of the International Series Rankings, where he trails Peter Uihlein by less than 100 points going into the final round at Riyadh Golf Club.
Although the LIV Golf League spot might be out of reach for Catlin if Uihlein or another league player wins the International Series Ranking, he remains undeterred and focused on his performance at the upcoming Saudi International. Catlin has a history of success in the Middle East, having won the Saudi Open earlier in the season and achieving a notable feat as the first Asian Tour golfer to shoot 59 at the International Series Macau. Despite the pressure and competition, Catlin remains confident in his abilities and aims to continue playing his best golf to see where the chips fall.
As the final event of the 2024 Asian Tour season, the PIF Saudi International offers a significant $5 million prize purse, with 144 players competing at Riyadh Golf Club. Among the participants are 44 players from the LIV Golf League, adding an extra layer of competition for Catlin. With his eyes set on securing more victories and potentially becoming a Major champion and LIV Golf team captain in the future, Catlin approaches the Saudi International with determination and a belief in his skills. The tournament will ultimately determine the final standings of the season and potentially pave the way for further successes in Catlin’s promising career.
