Charles Howell III’s stress fracture became a glimmer of hope for John Catlin. Now he is determined to prove his worth and potentially secure a contract from LIV Golf for next season. The 33-year-old made his LIV Golf debut in Houston as Howell recovered, joining Bryson DeChambeau’s team. Catlin filled his shoes admirably and proved to be a reliable golfer, posting three top-25 finishes in the four events he played under the Crushers GC name.
However, the reserve player was later moved to Brooks Koepka’s team when Graeme McDowell was disqualified from an event due to anti-doping issues. In his fifth consecutive start, Catlin was asked at the LIV Golf Greenbrier press conference if he felt it was like an audition for next season. The three-time DP World Tour winner replied: “I don’t know. I just try to go out and play as well as I can.” He emphasized that, despite the uncertainty about the future, he would like to start on the breakaway tour more often.
Catlin was aware that his chances at LIV Golf were rare and only came because two players were unable to participate, so he said: “I will take full advantage of every opportunity that comes my way and I definitely feel more comfortable.” Whether he impressed anyone is not the most important thing for Catlin. He wants to focus on playing his best and hopes that he can secure his place on the tour either through a contract or the Asian Tour.
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Image courtesy: John Catlin, Instagram
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Just last month, after playing in the UK, Catlin announced that his priority was to sign a contract with LIV Golf. Given Catlin’s performance in recent months, he may be able to achieve this, as even his teammate at Smash GC was impressed with his performance at Greenbrier.
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John Catlin’s Smash teammate praised his game
In the five events that John Catlin has played at LIV Golf, he was just a few strokes away from making the podium with his former team, Crushers GC. But with Koepka’s Smash GC, the 33-year-old was finally able to take the win and celebrate on the podium. It was a special moment for both Catlin and Smash GC, who won a team event for the first time in the 2024 season.
When asked about Catlin and his contribution to the win, teammate Jason Kokrak first clarified that the win was a team effort, echoing Koepka’s earlier comments. However, Kokrak also praised Catlin, saying that despite the difficulties on day two, “He had to come out here and play well for us to win, and that’s what he did.”
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Catlin’s performance at the LIV Golf Greenbrier can also be attributed to Kokrak’s efforts, as he offered some tips on how to master the Old White Course. But without belittling Catlin’s performance, Kokrak added: “He played great golf this week and we finished first. Can’t complain.”
Will John Catlin be seen at LIV Golf Chicago? Probably not, as McDowell is expected to return. Unless another player cancels, Catlin will have to wait for his next start at LIV Golf, despite his impressive performance.
