America’s John Catlin would outshine everyone on what was already a great day for low scores, as he completely bullied his way around the picturesque Macau Golf and Country Club to make history by carding the first score of 59 on a regular Asian Tour event.
Favourable pin positions, no wind and soft, receptive greens set the course up for low scoring, and it did not disappoint. Just nine players would go around over par today in the weekend field, showing that there were low numbers to be hunted for. Low 60s scores litter todays leaderboard with several players making real surges up the rankings. Jason Kokrak and Aussie, Lucas Herbert would both go round in -8 to make big moves. Eagles were to be had today with Herbert’s two on the par-4 third and Kokrak on 13. Just a single bogey between these two men today to leave them just behind today’s red-hot leader.
Overnight joint leader Jbe’ Kruger again put in a solid showing with a clean four-under round to leave him T3 with Herbert on -15. Kruger’s fellow overnight leader David Puig struggled with consistency with four bogeys and six birdies to take him into the clubhouse at two under for the day, but losing ground, given some of the scoring happening around him.
Any hope of a challenge from big names Sergio Garcia and Ian poulter faded despite decent rounds. Garcia shot a four-under with another eagle on 18 to sit on -9 for the tournament. Poulter shot -2 to leave himself sitting T49 heading into Sunday.
American Patrick Reed had an impressive day also, with seven birdies taking him to a tie for eighth with Puig and compatriot Ogletree just five back from Catlin. Another low scoring day tomorrow will leave these all feeling in with a shout come the back nine on Sunday.
Today belonged to one man, though. A stunning display of scoring from American, John Catlin would make history as the first round on 59 on the Asian Tour. There were no blemishes for Catlin today as his round just got better as it wore on. Six birdies on his outward nine, followed by three more on his way home, culminating in a fantastic tricky left-to-right swinging putt for eagle on his final hole. A fantastic return of -11, Catlin will have to wait to come down from cloud nine for some time after that performance. A four-time winner on the Asian Tour, Catlin was visibly ecstatic having finished his round. A scorecard for the ages, -18 for the tournament and leader by two strokes.
“Yeah, I’m pretty much speechless” the emotional 33-year-old said. “Its pretty crazy. It hasn’t total sunk in yet. Wow, yeah, the emotions are hitting me for sure. Just everything I’ve been through in the last two years. To be here, it’s pretty special.”
Asked about his troubles with form he said: “Yeah, its really difficult. You know, you sacrifice a lot, you put in a lot. I definitely want to thank my coach Noah Montgomery. He’s been with me now for ten years and he’s really helped me through it. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have him in my corner and we just keep pushing. We just kept pushing. And yeah, to be here now is pretty special.”
As we move into the final round on a course where low numbers are possible, there will be plenty of players heading into tomorrow with confidence that nothing has been decided yet. If the fireworks of today are to be repeated, an exciting final day awaits in Macau.
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