Asian Tour 2021 Tees Off With Four-Time Winner Taking Lead After Lengthy Layoff

After 20 months of forced hiatus, the top golfers are back in action at the Blue Canyon Phuket Championship that kicked off on Thursday, November 25 at the Blue Canyon Country Club.

American golfer John Catlin took an early one-shot clubhouse lead after carding a seven-under-par 65 in the tournament where $1 million is at stake.

The tournament was the first time that shots were played in the tour since the Malaysian Open held in March 2020, France 24 reported.

It was a great first day for the 31-year-old American, who grew to prominence after winning the Asian Tour three times in 2018.

He followed this up with another one in 2019. From thereon, Catlin has achieved global recognition with three wins in Europe.

“I made a few long ones, I just happened to play good. And I took advantage of the par fives,” he stated.

Catlin eagled the par-five ninth after holing a 30-footer following a brave three-iron second shot and later eagled the par-five 15th after nailing a three wood to nine feet.

“Last time I was here was in May 2020. Feels great, like I have been saying for the past four years it feels like a second home,” the Californian stated.

Aside from Catlin, other golfers dazzled on the famous Canyon Course.

Chinese-Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang and South African Ian Snyman were also impressed with 66s to sit in second place.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai fired a 67 to make third.

“It’s been so long since we last came out to play. I am really excited this week. I’ve been playing well back home and the competitions have kept my game in shape,” Chan, who won the Asian Tour twice in 2016, stated.

This week’s Blue Canyon Phuket Championship will be followed by the Laguna Phuket Championship next week.