John Catlin claimed his third European Tour victory in simply 13 occasions after the American triumphed on the Austrian Golf Open in a dramatic five-hole play-off with Maximilian Kieffer, following a equally thrilling ultimate day battle with the German in regulation play.
Catlin started the ultimate spherical two photographs again from the lead and performed within the penultimate group behind Kieffer and third spherical leaders Martin Kaymer and Alejandro Cañizares. The 30-year-old was at one level within the day 4 strokes behind Kieffer, who received off to a flying begin. A usually decided show from the Californian, nevertheless, yielded seven birdies for a formidable closing 65 and compelled further holes with Kieffer, who signed for a 66.
In a curler coaster play-off, Kieffer regarded to have earned a shock victory when he sank a monster putt for birdie on the third further gap, however Catlin was equal to the duty and knocked in a tester for his two.
It was a disappointing finish for Kieffer, who discovered the water thrice on the fifth try down the par-three 18th at Diamond Nation Membership, handing victory to a delighted Catlin, who was the primary to pay tribute to his rival.
“It’s all the time good to win, but it surely’s robust to observe that occur – we’re out right here giving it our all, and Max is a really achieved participant.
“I wish to take this opportunity to thank my coach, Noah Montgomery. It’s been a actually lengthy street – 2015, 16, had been robust seasons for me. He caught by me, saved believing in me and placing within the hours. Successful is rarely straightforward, it doesn’t matter what Tour you’re taking part in on. To have gotten this one may be very particular.”
Talking about his future ambitions, Catlin added: “I’d like to crack that high 50 on the earth and play in a Main Championship, as I’ve by no means performed in a single. I feel this offers me a superb likelihood to play within the PGA Championship, that was my aim. Hopefully it’s adequate. To get in these occasions and have an opportunity to win a Main, that’s been my aim since I used to be a child. It could be good to have that chance.”
Kaymer, who was bidding to win his first event because the US Open in 2014, completed third after posting a ultimate spherical 70, whereas England’s Marcus Armitage tied for fourth after a closing 68.
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