Sports

Catlin to make Masters debut after cruising to Hong Kong win

Published on Oktober 25, 2026 at 12:35

John Catlin tees off during round 2 in Hong Kong — Peter PARKS / AFP
John Catlin tees off during round 2 in Hong Kong — Peter PARKS / AFP

The American John Catlin won the Hong Kong Open on Sunday by a dominant five shots and will play at the Masters for the first time.

It was the 35-year-old's seventh victory on the Asian Tour and will also see him return to the British Open in 2027.

Catlin, the 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, went into the final day at Fanling in a four-way tie at the top with Anirban Lahiri, Thomas Pieters and Caleb Surratt.

But his six-under-par 64, with a bogey at the par-three fifth his only blemish, took him to 20-under overall and ultimately a ruthless victory as his rivals fell away.

"Hard to put it into words," said the Californian, calling himself "very humbled and very grateful".

"You know, anytime you can win a national open I think it just adds a little bit of extra prestige."

Catlin, who joins greats of golf to have won in Hong Kong, added: "I think that also kind of speaks to it as well.

"Anytime you can win a national open is incredible."

Home player Matthew Cheung and Finland's Kalle Samooja were tied second at 15-under, with Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand and Nick Voke of New Zealand two shots further back.

Of the overnight co-leaders, the American Surratt and Pieters of Belgium finished tied sixth at 12-under, while India's Lahiri carded a four-over 74 and finished 17th.

It was the 65th edition of the Hong Kong Open.

Cheung became the highest-finishing home player in the tournament's history.