Andy Ogletree took the lead in the $25 million 54-hole LIV Golf UK tournament after an impressive second round where he shot a bogey-free 65, bringing his total score to 12 under-par. The 26-year-old former US Amateur champion is two shots ahead of Britain’s Tyrrell Hatton. This lead comes after Ogletree claimed his spot in the 2024 season by winning the 2023 Asian Tour Order of Merit International Series. He credits his success to his ability to put together strong performances in each round of play.
Reflecting on his journey, Ogletree mentioned that he has had some challenges this season but is focusing on what he can control. He highlighted the importance of maintaining his momentum and ensuring that he performs consistently in all 18 holes. Ogletree’s strong showing at the JCB Golf & Country Club follows his wins in the 2022 International Series – Qatar and in the 2023 Asian Tour, including victories in Egypt and England. Despite the ups and downs this season, Ogletree remains determined to continue his winning streak.
Ogletree’s success is especially commendable considering the adjustments he has had to make to his swing due to an injured left wrist. Currently, he sits in 38th place in the individual season-long standings, with his best finish being a tied third in Adelaide. A win at the LIV Golf UK tournament could potentially propel him into the top 24 Lock Zone with only two regular-season tournaments remaining. His impressive performance has put him in contention for a significant rise in the rankings.
The exciting moments at the tournament included John Catlin’s incredible shot where he aced the par 3, 17th hole at 244 yards on the scorecard, using a seven iron. Catlin’s performance has put him in the lead for the 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit International Series. Additionally, it was the fourth ace of the season in the LIV Golf history. In terms of team standings, Smash GC and Legion XIII share a four-shot lead over Ogletree’s HyFlyers GC, indicating fierce competition among the teams.
The LIV Golf UK tournament features team standings where the three best scores from each team count in the first two rounds, while all four scores count in the final round to determine the team title winner. Currently, the team leaders include Smash GC and Legion XIII, with Ogletree’s HyFlyers GC closely behind. The individual leaderboard is dominated by Ogletree, followed by Hatton and Smith. The competition is intense, and each player and team are striving to secure a victory in this prestigious event.
