American pro John Catlin won his first Asian Tour Order of Merit on Saturday after a T19th finish at the International Series Qatar.
Catlin triumphed twice in 2024 and recorded a number of other high finishes to ensure he sits almost 1,280 points ahead of nearest rival Ben Campbell with only 1,000 points available to the winner of the season-ending PIF Saudi International this week.
The 34-year-old’s story is made even more remarkable when it’s considered that he only earned his card via Q-School back in January. That success arrived not long after Catlin lost his DP World Tour playing rights off the back of 27 missed cuts and a failed attempt at regaining them via the European circuit’s Q-School.
But, fast forward through 14 events and Catlin has added his name to a roll of honor which includes Thongchai Jaidee, Tom Kim, and Jeev Milkha Singh.
Speaking to Gulf News after his final round at the International Series Qatar, Catlin said: “It’s hard to put it into words. To go from not knowing where you’re going to be playing this year to winning the whole Order of Merit, yeah…
John Catlin has sealed the Asian Tour Order of Merit title 👑 after finishing T19 today at the International Series Qatar, penultimate event of the 2024 season. 👏The 34-year-old is the fifth and third straight American to achieve the feat in Asian Tour history.🙌#TimeToRise pic.twitter.com/vI4yM7bjXTNovember 30, 2024
“I know what I’m capable of, and I know I put in the hard work. As long as I keep doing what I’m doing, maybe I’ll win multiple.”
Finding out the answer to that particular possibility will not be known for at least another 12 months. However, another of Catlin’s dreams could be realized or snatched away inside a matter of days.
Previously a LIV Golf stand-in six times this term, Catlin revealed he aspires to be a team captain in the 54-hole circuit one day while also hoping to lift a Major at some point as well.
Despite being confirmed as the runaway Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, the University of New Mexico graduate is no longer in pole position to earn a place in the LIV Golf League by topping the International Series Rankings.
Having led the elevated group of tournaments’ separate standings for the overwhelming majority of the campaign, Catlin now trails…
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