LIV Golf reserve player Catlin returns to scene of 59 at International Series Macau

Macau, China – LIV Golf reserve player John Catlin returns this week to the scene of his amazing achievement at the International Series Macau presented by Wynn.

Catlin is the defending champion at Macau Golf and Country Club, where he also carded an 11-under 59 in the third round. It was the Asian Tour’s first-ever sub-60 score.

It was an achievement at the center of a career-defining season that saw him win the Asian Tour Order of Merit title for the first time.

“I would love to repeat that this year, but we’ll see,” Catlin said. "I was playing well last year; I knew I was playing well but that kind of round, a 59, is never planned. I remember on 18, when I holed for an eagle, Patrick (Reed) said to me, 'Was that for a 59?' I said, 'Oh, yes.'"

Rounds of 67, 66, 59 and 65 saw him finish in a tie with Spain’s David Puig of Fireballs GC before the American won with a birdie on the second extra hole.

“I was up against it on both playoff holes," Catlin said. "I just never gave up. I came back to Asia and the Asian Tour last year after struggling in Europe. I struggled for a season there but re-discovered myself in Asia. Shooting 59 showed that."

Reed, the 4Aces GC star and 2018 Masters champion, reflected on witnessing the historic round.

“It was an honor to be part of that," Reed said. "We also played with Andy Ogletree, and we were watching in disbelief.”

Remarkably, Reed shot 59 later in the year en route to winning the Link Hong Kong Open at Hong Kong Golf Club.

“Funnily enough we both had similar length, left-to-rights putts on the last for 59s,” said Catlin.

He received his Asian Tour Order of Merit trophy at the Asian Tour Gala Dinner on Tuesday night at Wynn Palace.

“I have so many people to thank for last year," Catlin said. "It was the culmination of so much hard work. I absolutely love being here in Macau. I hope this week will be the catalyst for another great season.”

Catlin, 34, arrived in Macau after having played in LIV Golf Singapore last week. He won the LIV Golf League's first-ever tounrament qualifier for reserves. That came soon after a top 10 in the New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport.

“The season has started well. Not quite as good as last year but it’s early days," Catlin said. "There’s a lot to play for with so many opportunities ahead.”

When he departed for Europe in 2020 to try his hand on the DP World Tour, there was concern that the Asian Tour would rarely get to see one of its most successful players.

When he proceeded to win two events in September in Spain and Ireland – in the midst of the global pandemic and strictly controlled tournament bubbles – and another the following year in Austria, the likelihood of return trips seemed even more slim. The goal of getting into the top 50 in the world and playing majors meant opportunities to head East were limited.

Golf does throw curveballs, though, and that was the case in 2023 when he surprisingly failed to keep his playing privileges in Europe after an unusually inconsistent season. His exemptions from those three victories had also expired and he was left to work out where he would play in 2024.

It was a simple decision for him to head back to Asia although he faced the daunting task of needing to navigate the Final Stage of the Tour’s Qualifying School, as he also had no playing status in the region.

Helped by the fact that the school was staged in Hua Hin, which he calls his second home, Catlin comfortably made it through, claiming the 19th card from the 35 offered.

It was the start of what proved to be arguably the finest season of his career. The Asian Tour was able to welcome home a player that meant so much, paving the way for a record-setting 59 that rocked the region.

Now it's time for Catlin and a field of superstars to return to competition. The field includes big-name LIV Golf members and three major champions in Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC captain), Graeme McDowell (Smash GC) and Patrick Reed (4Aces GC). In all, 17 LIV Golf players are in the field.

Also of importance, is a spot in a major championship. The International Series, a set of 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour, already offers a proven pathway onto the LIV Golf League. But as an Open Qualifying event, the Macau date now gives the 156-man field a chance of qualifying for the final major of the 2025 season, at Royal Portrush in July.

International Series Macau presented by Wynn takes place from 20-23 March. Entry is free for all four days. Click here to register.

For more information on The International Series please visit: www.internationalseries.com