Bryson DeChambeau could be joined on LIV Golf by golfer he called "fantastic" as move eyed

John Catlin, a three-time DP World Tour champion, has expressed his interest in making a permanent move to LIV Golf after playing as a reserve alongside Bryson DeChambeau .

Catlin was called up to replace the injured Charles Howell III at LIV Nashville and LIV Houston in June, where he made a strong impression, particularly at the latter event where he tied for seventh place after 54 holes. Currently, Catlin is back on the Asian Tour, participating in the International Series event in Morocco this week.

The player who tops the Order of Merit in the series by the end of the 2024 season will secure a spot on the LIV roster for 2025, a feat achieved by former US Amateur champion Andy Ogletree last season.

This time, Catlin, currently second in the standings behind LIV member Carlos Ortiz, is aiming to follow in Ogletree's footsteps after getting a taste of the breakaway league. Speaking in Morocco, Catlin said: "[The international Series] is definitely priority one for me now."

He added: "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."

Catlin's brief stints on the Saudi-backed setup have already garnered praise from one of the league's biggest names, DeChambeau. He commended his fellow American's efforts when he stepped in for his Crushers team twice last month. As the final round in Nashville approached, Catlin was in second place, trailing three shots behind the eventual champion, Tyrrell Hatton.

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Despite not making a significant impact in the final round, US Open champion DeChambeau was thoroughly impressed. "He's a fantastic golfer," DeChambeau said last month. "I grew up playing some golf with him in northern California, and we had some early career battles, even in junior golf."

"He's a stellar player. He's shot in the 50s and won a few times this year now. It just fit our team really well, and I'm praying for Charles that he's going to be healthy and get back here pretty soon. He's struggling with some stuff, but I have faith that he'll be back at our next event."

"You know what, I couldn't be more proud of John and the way he's performing for our team." Catlin continued his excellent form in Morocco on Thursday, establishing himself as the early leader with a remarkable seven-under-par 66, which included five birdies and an eagle.

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