Catlin to make Masters debut after cruising to Hong Kong win

American John Catlin won the Hong Kong Open on Sunday by a dominant five shots and will play at the Masters for the first time.

It was the 35-year-old's seventh victory on the Asian Tour and will also see him take his place again at the British Open in 2027.

Catlin, the 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, went into the final day at Fanling in a four-way tie at the top with Anirban Lihiri, Thomas Pieters and Caleb Surratt. But his six-under-par 64, with a bogey at the par-three fifth his only blemish, took him to 20-under overall and ultimately a ruthless victory as his rivals fell away.

Home player Matthew Cheung and Finland's Kalle Samooja were tied second at 15-under, with Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand and Nick Voke of New Zealand two shots further back.

Of the overnight co-leaders, the American Surratt and Pieters of Belgium finished tied sixth at 12-under, while India's Lahiri carded a four-over 74 and finished 17th.

It was the 65th edition of the Hong Kong Open. Cheung became the highest-finishing home player in the tournament's history with his joint second-place performance.