American John Catlin made the perfect start to end a disappointing season after taking a share of the clubhouse lead at the Saudi Open presented by PIF today – admitting after that a few setbacks have been on his mind this year that have affected his form.

He fired a first round seven-under-par 65 here at Dirab Golf & Country Club, just outside the capital Riyadh, along with Australian Jack Thompson – in the season-ending event on the Asian Tour.

Thailand’s Runchanapong Youprayong and Bjorn Hellgren from Sweden are next best placed after 66s.

This time last year Catlin was being crowned the Asian Tour Order of Merit champion for the first time after an inspired season. He won twice, came second twice – after two play-off loses – plus became the first player on the Tour to shoot a 59. He was also voted the Player’s Player of the Year, for the second time in his career.

However, he says events at the end of 2024 had a profound impact on him, and it’s taken time to heal. His mother passing away in October was far and away the most significant of those.

He said: “You know, I wouldn’t be a pro golfer if it wasn’t for all the support she gave me when I was a really little kid and junior golfer, and she took me to all the tournaments.

John Catlin.

“She was a big part of the process, and a big supporter of what I do, and just a loving person. And so, you know, last year it actually happened on the Wednesday of Jakarta, but I found out from my dad after the final round.”

Catlin explained she had been stable for a while and there was a huge emotional shock when she passed, the week of the Indonesian Masters.

In addition, narrowly failing to earn a place on the LIV Golf League after just missing out on winning The International Series Rankings, also hit him hard – he said.

“You know, there was a lot of other things – including not earning my spot on LIV. I wish I would have handled that thing a little bit better. You know, those things happen.

“I think mentally, internally I mean, I wish I would have just handled it a little bit better.”

Catlin is currently in 46^th place on the Merit list – well below par for a six-time winner on the Tour.

Today’s round, bogey-free, with seven birdies, shows he is on the road to recovery.

“I feel much stronger now. I feel like I’ve processed through a lot of it. I feel as good as I ever have. I’ve been really enjoying this week,” he said.

Jack Thompson.

He heads home to Florida after this week, where he will prepare for the LIV Golf Promotions event in January – where two places are up for grabs on the LIV Golf League.

But first up is the Saudi Open presented by PIF where win number seven on the Asian Tour would confirm the return of John Catlin.

Pictures by Ian Walton/Asian Tour.