Phil Mickelson has made a strategic move by replacing one former U.S. Amateur champion with another for the upcoming 2024 LIV Golf season.
Andy Ogletree Joins HyFlyers GC
After James Piot’s departure from the LIV Golf League following the 2023 season, Phil Mickelson’s team, HyFlyers GC, has signed Andy Ogletree to join their roster for the 2024 season. With this addition, the team is now complete and consists of Mickelson, Cameron Tringale, Brendan Steele, and Ogletree.
“Andy is an exceptional young player who has truly earned his place on the LIV team,” expressed Mickelson. “His relentless hard work and resilience in achieving personal success this past year were truly inspiring. With Andy on board, the HyFlyers become strong contenders for the upcoming season. Equally important, Andy’s personality fits in perfectly with the team.”
Andy Ogletree’s Journey to LIV Golf
At 25 years old, Andy Ogletree secured a guaranteed spot on a LIV team for the 2024 season after finishing first in the Asian Tour’s season-long International Series, which comprised 10 events. Ogletree, the 2019 U.S. Amateur champion, participated in LIV’s inaugural event in London in 2022 and served as a reserve in three events during the 2023 season. As a reserve player, he achieved an impressive sixth-place finish in Washington, D.C., and a respectable 43rd place finish in Orlando. Ogletree also replaced the injured Lee Westwood for the final round in Tulsa. His outstanding performance in Washington, D.C. earned him 43rd place in the season-long points standings, surpassing seven players who had competed in at least 10 out of the 14 events last season.
His sixth-place finish in the Open Zone category (Nos. 25-44 in the season standings) allowed Ogletree to sign with any team that had an available spot, bypassing the yet-to-be-announced LIV Golf Draft, which will determine the destinations for the three players from LIV Golf Promotions.
Andy Ogletree’s Decision to Join HyFlyers GC
“It was like being recruited for college all over again. I started receiving phone calls from different teams, and I had conversations with several team captains, and it progressed from there,” Ogletree shared. “Since LIV Golf owns the teams, the final contract had to be approved, and this process took place over the past few weeks. During the year, I had the opportunity to travel with LIV and be present at every tournament as a reserve player. I observed how each tournament operated, the dynamics within the teams, and the support structures in place. I asked numerous questions and sought the opinions of various players. I was particularly impressed with Phil Mickelson’s approach, and the chance to gain knowledge from one of the greatest golfers of all time was an opportunity I couldn’t resist.”
Remaining Openings in the League
Out of the 12 teams in the LIV Golf League, three teams, namely Cleeks GC, IronHeads GC, and Ripper GC, still have vacancies to fill. It remains to be seen whether Jon Rahm will join a new team or an existing one, such as the Cleeks, who currently have two openings.
By: Adam Woodard
Title: Phil Mickelson Adds Andy Ogletree to HyFlyers GC for 2024 LIV Golf Season
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/12/18/phil-mickelson-2024-liv-golf-andy-ogletree/
Published Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2023 17:16:11 +0000
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