John Catlin claimed his third European Tour victory in just 13 events after the American triumphed at the Austrian Golf Open in a dramatic five-hole play-off with Maximilian Kieffer, following a similarly thrilling final day battle with the German in regulation play.
Catlin began the final round two shots back from the lead and played in the penultimate group behind Kieffer and third round leaders Martin Kaymer and Alejandro Cañizares. The 30-year-old was at one point in the day four strokes behind Kieffer, who got off to a flying start. A typically determined display from the Californian, however, yielded seven birdies for an impressive closing 65 and forced extra holes with Kieffer, who signed for a 66.
In a roller coaster play-off, Kieffer looked to have earned a shock victory when he sank a monster putt for birdie on the third extra hole, but Catlin was equal to the task and knocked in a tester for his two.
It was a disappointing end for Kieffer, who found the water three times at the fifth attempt down the par-three 18th at Diamond Country Club, handing victory to a delighted Catlin, who was the first to pay tribute to his rival.
“It’s always nice to win, but it’s tough to watch that happen – we’re out here giving it our all, and Max is a very accomplished player.
“I want to take this chance to thank my coach, Noah Montgomery. It’s been a really long road – 2015, 16, were tough seasons for me. He stuck by me, kept believing in me and putting in the hours. Winning is never easy, it doesn’t matter what Tour you’re playing on. To have got this one is very special.”
Speaking about his future ambitions, Catlin added: “I’d love to crack that top 50 in the world and play in a Major Championship, as I’ve never played in one. I think this gives me a good chance to play in the PGA Championship, that was my goal. Hopefully it’s good enough. To get in those events and have a chance to win a Major, that’s been my goal since I was a kid. It would be nice to have that opportunity.”
Kaymer, who was bidding to win his first tournament since the US Open in 2014, finished third after posting a final round 70, while England’s Marcus Armitage tied for fourth after a closing 68.
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