Catlin captures Asia-Pacific Classic in Zhengzhou

AMERICAN John Catlin won his first Asian Tour title yesterday finishing off the final day of play at 16-under-par over four rounds at the Asia-Pacific Classic in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province.

Catlin finished two strokes ahead of Natipong Srithong from Thailand and Adam Blyth of Australia to clinch victory at the US$300,000-purse tournament held at St Andrews Golf Club.

After turning pro in 2013, Catlin has racked up four wins with the Asia-Pacific Classic marking No. 5, bringing in US$54,000 in prize money for the 27-year-old.

“Victory feels just so good. Unreal, surreal,” said Catlin after his victory.

“This victory validates all the hard work that I’ve put in,” the American said, according to the tour’s official website.

Before going into the final round Catlin said he’d been dreaming of having the chance to top the leaderboard. He wobbled on the front nine out of the gate but managed to hold on with three birdies on the back nine.

Veteran Blyth was not able to catch up.

Heading into the final round of play just one shot behind, Blyth managed a 2 under for the day, allowing Srithong to shoot up the leaderboard and match him for second place by posting a scorching 6-under-par.

Local favorite Huang Wenyi dropped to eighth place to finish out the tournament, coming in 1-under-par for the day after posting a tremendous 4-under-par on Saturday.

The Asia-Pacific Classic is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the China Golf Association and is the Asian Tour’s second stop in China this season.