Phil Mickelson Confirms New LIV Golf Signing To Complete HyFlyers GC Line-Up
The 25-year-old won the Asian Tour’s International Series Order of Merit in 2023 and earned a full-time spot in the LIV Golf League as a result
Phil Mickelson's LIV Golf League team, HyFlyers GC, has completed its 2024 roster with the signing of American, Andy Ogletree.
The 25-year-old claimed the Asian Tour's International Series Order of Merit title in 2023 to secure a full-time card on LIV - two years after being dropped by the 54-hole circuit after finishing last at its inaugural event in London.
Ogletree did not actually need to win the Asian Tour championship to play LIV Golf as he had already earned enough points through a handful of starts as a reserve to sneak into the 'Open Zone' and begin negotiations with a few teams. But a superb season on multiple fronts was rewarded by the 2019 U.S. Amateur champion agreeing to join Mickelson's quartet.
Ogletree will join compatriots Brendan Steele and Cameron Tringale on the six-time Major champion's team and is a direct replacement for James Piot, who was relegated last season and did not earn his way back to the League through the recent LIV Promotions event.
In a statement, Mickelson said of Ogletree: "Andy is one of the most impressive young players in the game who has earned his spot on LIV. The work he has continued to put in and the resiliency he showed this past year in creating his own success was awesome to see. He makes the HyFlyers a contender next year and just as importantly, Andy fits in perfectly with everyone on the team."
With two months to go before the third season of LIV Golf begins, only four of the 13 sides have any spaces left on them. Martin Kaymer's Cleeks GC has two open spots, Kevin Na's Iron Heads GC has a single opening, Ripper GC - captained by Cameron Smith - has two free berths, and Jon Rahm's side is yet to name any of the Spaniard's teammates.
Welcome to HyFlyers GC, Andy Ogletree! pic.twitter.com/TWEHDpp80zDecember 18, 2023
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, the former Georgia Tech man admitted he was relieved and delighted to lock up his spot early.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Ogletree said: "I started getting some phone calls and it was kind of like college recruiting all over again. A few teams wanted to meet and I had conversations with some of the captains and it followed from there. Since LIV Golf owns the teams the final contract had to be approved and all of this was navigated over the last few weeks.
"I was in a fortunate situation being able to travel with LIV during the year. I was at every tournament as a reserve. I was seeing how every tournament works and the team dynamic and the support structure they put in place. I was able to ask a lot of questions and get opinions from different players. And I liked the way Phil went about things and to get that knowledge from one of the greatest of all time is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down."
Looking for the perfect gift for the festive season? Check out the best Golf Gifts for Christmas.
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
Unearthed Ryder Cup Ticket Reveals Startlingly Low Cost Of Former Contest
Former pro Ken Brown has shared a ticket order form on X, which shows watching the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino and Seve Ballesteros at the 1979 Greenbrier contest cost just $10
By Mike Hall Published
-
LIV Golf Responds Following Rules Incident At Promotions Event
During the third playoff hole of the second round, Ollie Schniederjans used the rules to his advantage but, following the incident, it caused some reaction online
By Matt Cradock Published
-
LIV Golf Responds Following Rules Incident At Promotions Event
During the third playoff hole of the second round, Ollie Schniederjans used the rules to his advantage but, following the incident, it caused some reaction online
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Chieh-po Lee Secures Spot In 2025 LIV Golf League After Promotions Victory
The Chinese Taipei star fired a 10-under tournament total to claim a two shot victory and a spot on the 2025 LIV Golf League
By Matt Cradock Last updated
-
LIV Golf Pair Hint At Ryder Cup-Style Match Against PGA Tour
Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau have hinted that their 'Showdown' match with Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler could be just a preview of a Ryder Cup style LIV Golf-PGA Tour clash in the future
By Paul Higham Published
-
Brooks And Bryson 'Would Have Put Up A Good Fight' Against Scheffler In 2024
Brooks Koepka says he and Bryson DeChambeau would have given Scottie Scheffler a "good fight" had they played on the PGA Tour
By Paul Higham Published
-
Korean No.1 Withdraws From PGA Tour Q-School To Join LIV Golf On 'Multi-Year Deal'
Korean Tour No.1, Yubin Jang has signed with the LIV Golf League after pulling out of the PGA Tour's final stage of qualifying...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
LIV Golf Transfer Window: How All 13 Teams Are Shaping Up
After three full seasons, attention now turns to the fourth year of the LIV Golf League and, between now and the start in February, there's plenty to be sorted...
By Matt Cradock Published
-
LIV Golf Promotions Full Field, Format And What You Need To Know
Ahead of this week's LIV Golf Promotions at Riyadh Golf Club, the full field has been confirmed - and several notable names have been included...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Which Tournaments LIV Golfers Won In 2024
LIV Golfers won a lot of tournaments worldwide this year outside of the 54-hole circuit...
By Elliott Heath Published