John Catlin made his fourth start as a replacement for injured Crushers GC veteran Charles Howell III at this week’s LIV Golf UK by JCB.
And the tale of Catlin keeps getting even more remarkable as on Saturday, (27th July) the reserve player for Crushers GC nailed his tee shot at the island-green 17th, marking his second career hole-in-one in competitive play.
This feat becomes the seventh ace in LIV Golf history and the fourth this season.
The 33-year-old American aimed to land his 7-iron at 191 yards and let it roll down from the right-hand side of the green.
The ball obeyed his wishes perfectly, taking a sharp right turn and dropping into the cup.
As the ball vanished into the hole, Catlin threw his arms skyward in triumph. The grandstand erupted in wild celebration, while Ian Poulter and Patrick Reed, his playing partners, offered their congratulations.
“This was special. It was pretty cool, especially having that big grandstand behind us and everyone going nuts. I went nuts as well,” said Catlin, currently filling in for the injured Charles Howell III.
Catlin wrapped up the day with an even-par 71, placing him tied at 42nd with 1 over. He then made a birdie on the 9th hole, enjoying it nearly as much as his ace.
“With all those guys out there in the stands, I enjoyed that one too. It kind of egged them on.
And that’s what we are trying to do …entertain the fans,” remarked the current International Series points leader.
Catlin’s only regret was that the ace didn’t happen on the Party Hole, the 14th, which would have netted a lucky LIV X member a cool $100,000. “You never know. Hopefully, that happens tomorrow,” he mused.
