Catlin claims Iron Heads GC place

Reigning International Series Macau presented by Wynn champion John Catlin earned a starting spot in this week’s LIV Golf Singapore presented by Aramco, after winning an innovative, four-man 18-hole reserve play-off at Sentosa Golf Club.

The American lined up against fellow reserves Wade Ormsby of Australia, Kalle Samooja of Finland and compatriot Ollie Schniederjans, the International Series India presented by DLF winner, for a chance to replace the injured Jinichiro Kozuma in Kevin Na’s Iron Heads GC team.

The Asian Tour Order of Merit champion shot a four-under 67 on Tuesday morning at The Serapong course to outdistance Wade Ormsby (three-over 74), Ollie Schniederjans (eliminated after 12 holes) and Kalle Samooja (eliminated after six holes) to become LIV Golf’s first-ever tournament “qualifier.”

Catlin, who made four appearances for Crushers GC, one for Smash GC and a Team Championship start for Legion XIII last season, said: “They’re trying to shake things up – and this definitely shook us up. We weren’t ready for it. It’s a cool concept and, hey, I obviously liked it.”

The six-time Asian Tour winner led The International Series Standings for the majority of the 2024 season. But after losing play offs at International Series Morocco and the Black Mountain Championship in Thailand, he fell short of the title and a permanent place on the LIV Golf League. He is determined to put that right in the 2025 campaign.

“I didn't quite get it done in a couple of The International Series (events),” he told the LIV Golf website. “Unfortunately, it ended up costing me a LIV spot, so I’m not going to let that happen again. I’m going to step on people’s necks, basically. You know what I mean? I’ve got to get this done; it’s just that simple.”

LIV Golf Singapore presented by Aramco takes place from 14-16 March at Sentosa Golf Club. For more information, check Welcome to LIV Golf.