Maguire pips Asian Tour leader Catlin for first pro golf victory

Hua Hin, Thailand: American Michael Maguire won his maiden professional title at the Black Mountain Championship on Sunday after a playoff to deny compatriot John Catlin a third Asian Tour victory of 2024.

Maguire, 31, who is in just his second season on the Asian Tour, made a winning par on the second play-off hole after order of merit leader Catlin missed a 15-footer to extend the contest.

Both players had finished on 23-under 265 at the Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand, after Maguire shot a seven-under-par 65 and Catlin carded a 66 in the Asian Tour International Series event.

Taiwan’s Lee Chieh-po shot a 65 to be solo third on 22-under par.

New Zealand’s Ben Campbell (64), Suteepat Prateeptienchai (66) from Thailand, and Italian Stefano Mazzoli (66), tied for fourth, a further two strokes back.

“Big weight off my shoulders,” said Maguire.

“I’m kind of a journeyman, played on every tour you can think of, and finally to get a win on a big, big tour like this is huge.”

Catlin was attempting to win three titles in a season on the Asian Tour for the second time in his career. He achieved the feat in 2018.

“I mean, I gave it everything I had, I went bogey free,” said Catlin, who won the International Series Macau and the Saudi Open back-to-back this year.