A Year After an Embarrassing LIV Golf Debut, Former US Am Champion Eyes a Dream Return, Courtesy of $360,000 Heroics: ‘Want to Be Out There’

The golf world saw much excitement as the 2023 International Series England reached its climax in Newcastle. The event saw many golfers take part in the tournament in hopes of taking a cut of the $2 million prize pool. But even as everyone tried their best, the golfers could not push past a certain LIV Golf pro as he propelled himself to the top with an amazing display of golf.

Stamping his authority on the Asian Tour, the pro golfer made sure to cement his spot at the Order of Merit. But when asked about his goal during the tournament, the professional opened up about the entirely different objective he had in mind leaving the golf community curious and surprised.

LIV Golfer eyes a fierce return to the league

The first player to win three International Series Events, Andy Ogletree has come a long way as he showcased a stunning performance to lift the trophy in England. While one may have wondered if he was good enough a year ago, people’s perception of the golfer has changed as he bagged his second victory this year. But, Ogletree had a much loftier goal on his mind, to play as a regular in the Saudi-backed league.

The victory on Sunday propelled him into the top spot in his run for the Order of Merit Title. Having more than double the points of Japan’s Takumi Kanaya, who is far behind him in second place, the “golden ticket” has all but been confirmed. Moreover, the young golfer went ahead to express his desire for playing in the league as he said, “I want to be out there, and I feel like that’s where I want to be right now in the next phase of my life. So, I’m doing all I can to secure that spot.”

But even so, when asked about which of the team jerseys he wanted to sport in the next season, the professional replied that an answer would just limit his options as he refused to comment on that. With the next five International Series events lined up, he will look to hold his firm grasp on the LIV Golf spot for 2024.

The pro golfer had initially played in the PIF-funded league around a year back in its debut tournament. But it did not turn out to be a success for the young athlete. He finished dead last while sporting an injury among the field of 48 golfers with a score of 24 over par 234 and taking home a cut of $120,000.

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But the loss gave him an opportunity to clear up his professional career. He started to play on the Asian Tour which led him to securing his place on the tour for a total of five years. And now, he has succeeded again!

Ogletree shines on the Asian Tour

The 25-year-old shot a sensational final round of 7-under-par 64 as he finished ahead of home favorite Ian Poulter, with a total of a sensational 16 under 268. The golfer took home a winner’s cut of $360,000 as he beat Poulter by seven strokes in the 2023 International Series England. Earlier this year, he clinch his second title of the series in Qatar as he finished with a 7-under par 281 taking home $450,000. His first win came in Egypt as he scored 257 (-23) while winning $270,000.

The golfer turned professional in 2020 after an amazing amateur career. He won the 2019 US Amateur and went ahead to represent his country at the Walker Cup the same year. Although he had a rough start as a professional, Andy has jumped right back on his feet. One can hope that he carries forward the momentum to the rest of the tournaments cementing his spot as a regular in LIV Golf.

What did you think of his performance in Newcastle? Do you think he has the potential to reach big in the game? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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