After a standout 2024 International Series campaign earned him a reserve spot on LIV Golf, John Catlin arrives at LIV Golf Promotions in Florida this week for what he describes as “feels like a home event,” eager to turn opportunity into a full-season card.
Exempt into Round 2 of the Promotions format, the American enters the event with a clear objective and a strong understanding of what is at stake. Having already competed in multiple LIV Golf events over the past two seasons, Catlin knows exactly what it takes to perform at the highest level, and why this week matters.
“I’ve played three LIV events last year and five the year before, so I’ve had a chance to really get a feel for it,” Catlin said. “It’s something you definitely want to be part of, you’re competing against the best players in the world.
“Any time you get that opportunity, especially playing for the stakes we’re playing for, it reminds you why you work so hard. I want to earn my spot, play a full season, and really see where I stack up.”
Few players in the field boast a stronger International Series résumé. Catlin enjoyed a prolific 2024 season, highlighted by victory at International Series Thailand and runner-up finishes at International Series Morocco and the Black Mountain Championship. He also claimed the Saudi Open presented by PIF on the Asian Tour, a result that propelled him to the Order of Merit title and cemented his reputation as one of the circuit’s most reliable performers.
The 2025 season, however, proved more challenging in the context of the Rankings race. With a tied-14th finish at International Series Morocco and a tied-18th at the Moutai Singapore Open among his best results, Catlin now looks to Promotions as another chance back to the top tier.
Catlin views the past year as another chapter in a career built on resilience.
“Like most careers, and life in general, it’s been full of ups and downs. It’s never a straight line,” he said. “There were some really good moments, and there were also some periods that offered opportunities to grow.
“I feel stronger coming out of it, and I’m excited to see what 2026 has in store.”
His exemption into the second round of Promotions offers a meaningful edge in a format defined by pressure and elimination, one Catlin knows how to navigate.
“It’s massive,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to skip the first stage twice now, and in an elimination format like this, any round you don’t have to play is a big advantage.
“Everyone’s trying to get to those final two days and into the top three, so the closer you start to that point, the better.”
Beyond the three LIV Golf cards on offer this week, the Promotions event also provides a vital safety net: full International Series status for the top 10 finishers. For Catlin, now in his 11th season on the Asian Tour and a competitor in The International Series since its launch in 2022, the pathway remains one he firmly believes in.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” he said. “Playing in Asia helps you grow not just as a golfer, but as a person. For players coming from the U.S., you’re exposed to different weather, different grasses, different cultures, all of that accelerates development.
“Obviously, everyone here is aiming for one of the three LIV spots, but earning full International Series status is a huge step forward for anyone’s career.”
This week’s setting only adds to Catlin’s sense of comfort. Competing close to home in Florida, the travel, and the pressure, feel more manageable.
“Any time I get to play in the U.S., it feels special. I literally drove here, which is a nice change from 15-hour flights and jet lag.
“It definitely feels like a home event, and that familiarity helps.”
The International Series is the most prized pathway in golf. It consists of a set of elite tournaments sanctioned by the Asian Tour and offers the year-long Rankings Winner & Runner-Up promotion to the LIV Golf League.
