John Catlin has the Major championship bit firmly between his teeth. Thanks to a typically gutsy closing even-par 71 at Royal Troon, Catlin claimed a hard-earned top-20 finish in the 152nd Open Championship.

Story by Spencer Robinson, Asian Tour contributor, at Royal Troon.

He also had the distinction of finishing as the leading Asian Tour member – a fitting achievement given his current status at number one on the Order of Merit.

“It’s an amazing week. Such an amazing event, and I hope to be back here every single year,” said Catlin, who had missed the cut on his two previous appearances in the championship.

TROON, SCOTLAND – JULY 21: John Catlin of the United States tees off on the first hole on day four of The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 21, 2024 in Troon, Scotland. (Photo by Luke Walker/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)

“I was walking up the last, and I was in that greenside bunker and I still couldn’t help but smile. It’s just such a cool walk. It’s so unique to The Open. That’s something I’ll always cherish,” added the American, whose 72-hole aggregate of two-over 286 left him in a share of 16th place – 11 strokes adrift of his triumphant compatriot Xander Schauffele.

With his appetite for the big stage well and truly whetted, there’s no danger that Catlin will be resting on his laurels – either in his bid to top this year’s Asian Tour and International Series Order of Merit standings, or his aims for further Major success.

He said: “I didn’t have that many expectations (at the start of the week). I just wanted to come and play as well as I could.

“I feel like I belong. I feel like I belong at the Major level. I hope I get a lot more opportunities. It’s been my dream since I was a kid to win a Major championship, and I think one day it might happen.”

US golfer John Catlin lines up his putt on the 5th green during his final round, on day four of the 152nd British Open Golf Championship at Royal Troon on the south west coast of Scotland on July 21, 2024. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Before the next men’s Major at Augusta National in April 2025, however, Catlin has other matters on his mind.

He said: “I want to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit. I want to win the International Series Order of Merit – and I want to lock up that LIV spot for next year.

“I think this will be my seventh season playing on the Asian Tour. It’s a pretty storied list of champions that have won the Order of Merit. To be on that list would be something truly special.”

Ends.