Catlin sizzles in the wind, paces Open
STA. ROSA, Laguna – American John Catlin defied the wind at its meanest in the afternoon for an amazing fourunder par 68 and a two-shot lead over a pack that included two of the Philippines’ biggest threats in the opener of the $400,000 Solaire Philippine Open at the wide, wind-swept The Country Club here yesterday.
The 26- year- old native of Sacramento birdied five holes, including a cluster of three from No. 6 on his homeward backnine and missed pulling off a three-shot lead with a bogey on the ninth, settling for a twoshot lead over six others, led by reigning champion Miguel Tabuena and Angelo Que.
“I hit a lot of very good shots and never put myself in any bad spot. But it was very difficult. The wind was tough in the afternoon,” said Catlin, who also leaned on a nearimpeccable short game to stay on top.
“To shoot under par is a bonus. It was very tough. Every single shot you have to be on point,” said Catlin, playing his sixth tournament but seeking his first win on Philippine soil.
Tabuena, the 2015 winner, got off to a good start then held on in the end for a two-under 70.
The 22- year- old Tabuena teed off at exactly 7: 20 a. m. as a marked man and in the company of Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura and Thailand’s Poom Saksansin in the event sponsored by Solaire Resort and Casino and held in cooperation with Meralco and PLDT.
Que, the 2008 champion at Wack Wack, came home late after teeing off at 11:30 a.m. He matched Tabuena’s 70 and will show up for the second round with his confidence at a high.
Also submitting 70s at the start of the event that drew 88 foreign players were Will Cannon of the United States, Steve Lewton of England, Lin Wen Tang of Chinese-Taipei and Toru Nakajima of Japan.
Nicolas Paez of the United States stood at one-under while seven players were even at 72, including local bets Jhonnel Ababa and Tony Lascuña.
Tabuena, who won the TCC Invitational in this same course three weeks ago, warmed up with pars in his first two holes then birdied Nos. 3 and 4.
The veteran of the 2016 Rio Olympics parred the next three holes before hitting his third and last birdie on the bright and windy day from seven feet on No. 8.
Tabuena could have done better if not for missed birdie opportunities on the back nine. His lone bogey came on the par-4 hole No. 9 (missed green).
“I couldn’t make my putts on the back nine,” said Tabuena.
“Miguel played well today but could not sink his putts coming out. But he’s okay where he’s at right now,” said Tabuena’s swing coach, Joel Altea, after the round.
Que woke up at the right side of the bed and birdied his first two holes. Then he blew hot and cold with birdies on Nos. 8, 10 and 15.