The LIV Golf League is halfway through its current season. The 2024 team leaderboard is dominated by Bryson DeChambeau’s squad, the Crushers GC. The 12 other teams, meanwhile, would surely hope to shoot past them. However, things are not what they seem, as the current situation of the No. 1 squad just spells trouble, all thanks to a teammate’s injury.

The skipper was spotted disclosing the same ahead of the upcoming LIV Golf event in Houston. The ‘Scientist’ went ahead to divulge how Charles Howell III would not play in the tournament. Although he expressed his nod of approval for the replacement, John Catlin, who came in the injured golfer’s place, one can’t help but worry for the team!

Bryson DeChambeau gives an update on Charles Howell III’s health

“So I got a text probably four or five days ago now,” recalled DeChambeau, in the recent presser, about his conversation with Howell. “He’s like, man, ‘I’m sorry, I’m not going to be able to play….’ He told me it was a little hairline something in his leg, and he said he just couldn’t do it this week.” The pro, apparently, had suffered from a tibia injury in his left leg, causing him to take a break from the sport for recovery.

Howell was, however, positive about his chances to play at the next tournament at the Grove: “He’s trying to be ready for Nashville, which is great.” The athlete’s absence, unfortunately, spells trouble for DeChambeau’s team, which is currently leading the scoreboard with two wins and a T2 finish at 105.50. If the new lineup, involving Catlin, fails to replicate the success they have had till now, the squad is very much in danger of losing out to other teams, including Legion XIII (94 points) and Ripper GC (90 points).

The ‘Scientist’, on the other hand, was quite nostalgic about the new member of his team. “Funny enough, I’ve played with John Catlin a little bit growing up in junior golf,” recounted the 30-year-old LIV golfer, “He’s been playing some amazing golf. I thought he would be a great fit for the Crushers this week.”  DeChambeau, thus, made sure to convey his praise for the fellow North California native, who is currently leading the Asian Tour points standings by more than 900 points. The new member had, interestingly, carded victories at the International Series Macau and the Saudi Open with figures of 23-under and 24-under, respectively.

It wasn’t just the skipper who was eager to play at the Saudi-backed league in the upcoming event. Catlin’s enthusiasm is not at all surprising when one looks at how he was a reserve at the Miami event a month ago, owing to which he wasn’t able to play.

Catlin expresses eagerness to play for DeChambeau’s team

“It’s a great opportunity, a chance to move another step up in my career,” said the new addition to Crushers GC. The majority of the athlete’s 13 professional victories have come from the Asian Tour, with six of them spanning from 2018 to 2024. Even though he had lost his DP World Tour stats in 2023, he didn’t sit back and get depressed over it, but went ahead to the Asian circuit, and regained his status via qualifying.

Now, Catlin is all set to prove himself on the PIF-funded circuit.  “I’m looking forward to seeing if I can help the team as well,” said the enthusiastic golfer before recollecting his past with the skipper. “I remember playing with him when he first started changing his clubs to the same length… Basically feels like old times.”

Although the two have joined hands again, one can’t help but worry for the squad. The new team lineup will inevitably have to prove their mettle and get out of the deep waters they have found themselves in owing to Howell’s injury. In the meantime, the fans can only wait and watch!