There are fewer ways to stamp your authority on a three-win season. John Catlin did just that by winning the Thailand Open on the Asian Tour earlier in November 2019.
Asia’s reigning player of the year held off India’s Shiv Kapur and local Thai hopeful Pavit Tangkamolprasert on the first hole of sudden-death to take home the winner’s check.
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Coming into the Indonesian Masters, Catlin feels nothing but relief. The 29-year-old knew it was going to be tough for him to repeat after an impressive three-peat in 2018. The American won thrice in a span of five months, cementing himself amongst Asia’s stars. His stellar play paid rich dividends, as he gained playing rights on the European Tour. He says “Playing away from Asia is a whole different ball game. Going forward, it’s all about improvements.”
Playing 21 events and making 12 cuts wasn’t enough as Catlin headed back to qualifying school to improve his playing rights in Europe. Finishing 51st after leading the first two days may have been bittersweet, but Catlin later held his nerve to pick up the win in Thailand.
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Indonesia is special for reasons dating back to 2016. Catlin made his breakthrough on the Asian Development Tour in 2016 winning by three shots over fellow American and friend Micah Lauren Shin. Later in 2017, he lost a five-way playoff at the same event, where Wolmer Murillo came out as the winner.
“I love Indonesia and have very fond memories of playing there over the last five seasons. The people have always loved me and I can’t wait to go back” added a beaming Catlin.
Of the five times, he’s played the Indonesian Masters his best finish came last year in 2018. Paired with the Swede Henrik Stenson and Indian ace Anirban Lahiri, Catlin led the first round before finishing T-17.
From
here on, it’s all about the ungodly climb that is professional golf. Catlin
also teed it up 6 times on the PGA Tour finishing in the money four times.
Coach Noah Montgomery who has been working with Catlin “forever” is pleased
with the progress his ward has made so far.
Speaking on the phone from California, the policeman turned golf professional
described the various swing improvements the two have discussed and implemented
over the past five years. “Results from the hard work are showing up now. He
has to step it up if he wants to perform in Europe and America going forward”
signs off Montogomery.