Exclusive Interview with Asian Tour Champion John Catlin

John
Catlin, the Professional golfer from Sacramento, California, USA, who claimed
three victories over a span of five months in 2018, has secured his fourth
Asian Tour victory in style after his sensational approach on the first playoff
hole at the 2019 Thailand Open.

Playing under pressure comes down to preparation,
self-belief, and willingness to stand in the feeling of having it all on the
line. If you can do and have all of these things then you give yourself the
best chance to perform under pressure. - John Catlin

In an exclusive interview with Golfoy, John shares his experience of playing the playoff with super-strong competitors (Shiv Kapur - India) (Pavit Tangkamolprasert - Thailand) and admits that this win was a dream come true moment. 

Excerpts:

What was in your mind when you were about to hit the winning
putt?

I knew that I was going to have to make it. Pavit and
Shiv weren’t going to give it to me easily and when it was official that my
putt was for the win and not just the tie I went through my routine and tried
to hit the best putt I could. 

You are a 4-time Asian tour winner, how is this win special
to you?

This
win is extra special since it is the national open of the country I claim as my
second home! Thailand is such a great country and the people have welcomed me
with open arms. To win the national open is something special and a dream come
true.

You were in a playoff with top players but still were really
patient. Can you speak about your approach to playing under pressure?

There were 3 players in the playoff. For me playing under pressure comes down to preparation, self-belief, and willingness to stand in the feeling of having it all on the line. If you can do and have all of these things then you give yourself the best chance to perform under pressure.

What would you say about Shiv Kapur and Pavit as they were
playing so good throughout the day?

Both Shiv and Pavit are tremendous players and I have
nothing but the utmost respect for their games. It was no surprise for me to
have a playoff with both of them for the tournament and I feel lucky to have
come out on top! 

Apart from hitting long, what do you feel are the
areas of your main strength in golf?

Honestly, I don’t think I am that long of a player I
think my strengths are accuracy off the tee, a good short game and consistent
mental approach to each and every shot and situation. 

In your professional golf career which has been your most
favorites win & why?

This win because of what I mentioned earlier about it
being in my second home and also just because of the way in which I won it.
Having to make birdie on one of the hardest holes of the week and doing it was
very special.

What
words of advice do you have to share with other young golfers that follow you?

My main advice would be to continue to love playing the
game!

What was your experience like at
the Hero Indian Open in March 2019? Which is has been your favorite golf course
in India whenever you have played here.

My favourite course is definitely Dlf and the Indian open this year was an absolutely amazing experience! The way the course was set up and how the event was run was top notch.