John Catlin joined Bryson DeChambeau‘s Crushers GC as a replacement for Charles Howell III at LIV Golf Houston after Howell was sidelined due to a tibia injury in his left leg. Interestingly, Catlin had decent performances, with T7 in Nashville being his best. However, who would have thought Catlin would be back again on the LIV Golf field, and this time as a part of Brooks Koepka‘s team?

Yes, you read it right. Recently, bunkered.com revealed that Catlin is joining Koepka’s Smash GC as a replacement for Graeme McDowell for the $25 million Greenbrier showdown. McDowell is out of the field for the upcoming event because LIV Golf has suspended him for violating its anti-doping rules. The golfer tested positive for R-methamphetamine, a banned substance that he claims he used in a nasal spray for congestion.

Talking about it, McDowell said, “Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep. In an effort to manage it, I used a generic Vick’s nasal decongestant without realizing it might be on the banned list.” He will not only miss the next $25 million event but also face a $125,000 fine. Meanwhile, John Catlin will play as his replacement at LIV Golf Greenbrier.

After playing for LIV Golf, Catlin loved it and was very excited. The golfer said, “Having experienced the LIV Golf events, they are really cool, we are very well looked after, and playing that caliber of field for that kind of money is something we all want. That is priority one, and I am looking forward to what will unfold over the next eight events.” Not only that, the 33-year-old even made it clear that he wants to join LIV Golf as a regular player by targeting the international series.

LIV Golf uses these rankings to grant spots for the next season, with the #1 finisher automatically securing a spot for the following year. Currently, Catlin is ranked number 1 in these rankings. He will still have to retain his rank by the end of the season to confirm a spot for himself. However, the question remains: how will his inclusion impact Koepka’s team performance?

Can John Catlin elevate Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC’s gameplay?

At LIV Golf Nashville, Catlin finished T7 with an impressive score of 11-under-par, while Crushers GC secured second place. Although DeChambeau’s T3 finish was significant, Catlin’s performance was crucial for his team’s standings. In the same event, Koepka’s Smash GC finished 12th. Following that at LIV Golf Andalucia, DeChambeau’s team finished second again, while Smash GC was dropped to 13th.

Although Smash GC made a comeback in the recent UK event, John Catlin’s involvement in the next tournament might improve the team conditions. However, it’s still too early to determine how beneficial Catlin will be. Confirmed to play at LIV Golf Greenbrier as a replacement, all eyes will be on him to see how the pro delivers for Koepka’s team.

What are your thoughts on John Catlin playing as a replacement? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below!