American John Catlin admits the lure of a place on the LIV Golf League is now a big motivating factor as he goes in search of victory at the International Series Morocco, which starts today.

The American won last time out on The International Series, with a thrilling sudden-death play-off victory over David Puig from Spain at the International Series Macau presented by Wynn in March.
He followed that up with victory next time out, winning the Saudi Open presented by PIF to move top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit and second behind Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz on the The International Series Rankings – with top spot automatically earning a place on the LIV Golf League.

Catlin’s great form also earned an invite as an alternate on the LIV Golf League. The American has impressed with a T24 in Houston and a T7 in Nashville, and is also set to play next week in Andalucia as he continues to deputise for the injured Charles Howell III on the Crushers GC team.

Talking shop: John Catlin, Branden Grace and Ayoub Lguirati pictured during a press conference on Wednesday. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Having experienced the LIV Golf League, the six-time Asian Tour champion is eager to do all he can to earn a permanent place via the rankings system, starting right here in Morocco this week where invaluable points are at stake.

He said: “It (The international Series) is definitely priority one for me now. Having experienced the LIV Golf events, they are really cool. We are very well looked after and playing that calibre of field for that kind of money is something we all want. That is priority one and I am looking for what will unfold over the next eight events.”

South African Branden Grace is also looking for a big weekend in Morocco. The Stinger GC player jetted in overnight from Open final qualifying in the UK, where he narrowly missed out on a spot in the fourth major of the season, losing out on a play-off after a gruelling 36 holes.

Grace finished second and ninth in consecutive seasons on the LIV Golf League, but is currently in the lower reaches of the standings. With four events left on the LIV campaign this season, he is eager to put together a run of good results and move away from the drop zone.

Catlin and Lguirati are enjoying the ride in Morocco this week. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Grace was happy with his performance over two rounds at the Open qualifying in midweek, and is looking to continue that form on the Red Course.

He said: “It is nice to be back in Morocco, this is a great golf course, it is tough and I am ready to go. I am a little tired as I got to bed at 3am after 36 holes and an extra two. It is what it is. I found I played really well in tough conditions and can take a lot going into this week.

“Listen, it (The International Series) is a great stepping stone for the guys playing out here full time, trying to get onto LIV. For me, I see myself coming here for the chance to play a week before a big event (LIV Golf Andalucia), even just to find something to take into those events.

“Obviously it is a great opportunity for World Ranking points, and if things don’t go your way (on the LIV Golf League), you are only one win away from giving yourself a great chance to be back there if you need it (via the International Series Rankings).”

Local hero Ayoub Lguirati is eager to replicate the great form that earned him a superb T28 finish two years ago in the tournament ultimately won by Jazz Janewattananond from Thailand. One of nine Moroccan players in the field this week, he said: “I feel stronger and better than two years ago, thanks to my experience on the Asian Development Tour and The International Series.

“I learned a lot and I will do my best to play well and represent my country. This is a great opportunity for the Moroccan players, it is like two years ago for me. The tournament opened a lot of doors for me. So it is a great opportunity for them to improve and play in international tournaments.”