Charles Howell III’s stress facture became a beacon of hope for John Catlin. Now, he is determined to prove his worth and potentially secure a contract from LIV Golf for the next season. The 33-year-old made his LIV Golf debut in Houston as Howell recovered, stepping into Bryson DeChambeau’s team. Catlin filled his shoes admirably, proving to be a reliable golfer by carding three top-25 finishes out of the four events he played under the Crushers GC name.

However, the reserved player was later moved to Brooks Koepka’s team when Graeme McDowell was disqualified for one event due to anti-doping issues. In his fifth consecutive start, Catlin was asked at the LIV Golf Greenbrier press conference if he felt it was like an audition for the next season. The 3-time DP World Tour winner responded, “I don’t know. I’m just trying to go out there and play as well as I can.” He emphasized that although the future was uncertain, he would love to make more starts on the breakaway circuit.

Catlin was aware that his opportunities in LIV Golf were rare, only coming because two players were unable to participate. Thus, he said, “Any opportunity I get, I’m going to take full advantage of it, and I definitely feel more comfortable.” Whether he has impressed anyone isn’t Catlin’s immediate concern. He wants to focus on giving his best regardless and hopes that either through a contract or the Asian Tour, he can secure his place on the circuit.

Even last month, after playing in the United Kingdom, Catlin announced that securing a contract from LIV Golf was his priority. With the way Catlin has played in the past few months, he may just achieve that, as even his Smash GC teammate was impressed by his Greenbrier performance.

John Catlin’s Smash teammate praised his game

In the five events John Catlin played in LIV Golf, he was only a few strokes short of making it to the podium with his former team, Crushers GC. But with Koepka’s Smash GC, the 33-year-old finally tasted victory and celebrated on the podium. It was a special moment for both Catlin and Smash GC, who won a team event for the first time in the 2024 season.

When asked about Catlin and his impact on the win, teammate Jason Kokrak first clarified that the victory was a team effort, echoing Koepka’s earlier remarks. However, Kokrak also praised Catlin, saying that despite struggling on day two, “he needed to come out here and play well for us to win, so he did that.” 

Catlin’s performance at LIV Golf Greenbrier could be attributed to Kokrak’s efforts as well, as he shared some tips on how to tackle the Old White course. But without taking anything away from Catlin, Kokrak added, “He played some great golf this week, and we finished in first. Can’t complain.”

Will John Catlin be seen at LIV Golf Chicago? Probably not, as McDowell is expected to return. Unless another player withdraws, Catlin will have to wait to make another start on LIV Golf, despite his impressive performance.