As the LIV Golf 2025 season continues its thrilling journey, all eyes are now on Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club, the grand stage for this week’s competition. Notably, golf legend Phil Mickelson is set to alter his club set-up despite his commendable third-place performance at the recent LIV Golf Hong Kong tournament.
The Hong Kong tournament saw the Spanish maestro, Sergio Garcia, clinch a victory with a three-shot lead over Dean Burmester, finishing at 18-under. Mickelson trailed behind at 14-under. In a striking performance, Garcia’s team, Fireballs GC, secured a team win, finishing a shot ahead of Stinger GC at the Hong Kong Golf Club. With this victory, Garcia has ascended to the top of the individual standings, while Fireballs GC leads the team standings as they head into the Singapore tournament.
However, the forthcoming Singapore event reveals a significant change for one team. Iron Heads GC will welcome John Catlin, the American star who recently made history by clinically winning LIV Golf’s inaugural reserve play-off. This change was necessitated due to Iron Heads player Jinichiro Kozuma’s indefinite absence because of an injury. Consequently, Catlin will now join forces with Kevin Na’s side.
In the initial three tournaments, Iron Heads GC had chosen a reserve player from the league. However, due to Kozuma’s continuing absence, LIV Golf has introduced a new qualifying process. The groundbreaking reserve play-off saw the participation of four reserves present in Hong Kong – Catlin, Wade Ormsby, Kalle Samooja, and Ollie Schniederjans, who vied for the spot in a progressive elimination play-off at Sentosa.
Catlin, who had made six starts as a reserve in the previous tournament, has now etched his name in LIV Golf’s history books. He emerged as the first-ever tournament qualifier after delivering a remarkable four-under 67 at Sentosa’s Serapong course. Catlin’s victory saw him edge past Ormsby on three-over 74, with Samooja and Schniederjans being eliminated after six and 12 holes respectively.
This development has added a new layer of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming tournament at Sentosa Golf Club. With all teams gearing up to clinch the title, it remains to be seen how this change will impact the dynamics of the tournament and whether Fireballs GC will secure their third successive team win. As the golfing world holds its breath, it’s clear that the stage is set for an unforgettable face-off in Singapore.
