John Catlin Dominates Hong Kong Open, Qualifies for Masters

John Catlin, an American golfer, won the Hong Kong Open on Sunday by a commanding five shots, securing his place in the Masters for the first time. The victory, which is Catlin's seventh on the Asian Tour, also qualifies him for the British Open in 2027.

The 35-year-old, who is the 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, entered the final day at Fanling tied for the lead with Anirban Lihiri, Thomas Pieters, and Caleb Surratt. Catlin shot a six-under-par 64, with only one bogey at the par-three fifth hole, finishing with a total score of 20-under par.

Matthew Cheung from Hong Kong and Finland’s Kalle Samooja tied for second place at 15-under par. Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand and Nick Voke of New Zealand finished two shots further back.

Among the overnight co-leaders, Surratt and Pieters ended tied for sixth at 12-under, while Lihiri finished 17th after carding a four-over 74. This was the 65th edition of the Hong Kong Open, with Cheung achieving the highest finish by a home player in the tournament's history.