Andy Ogletree and John Augenstein put on a memorable 35-hole battle in 2019 for the U.S. Amateur title at Pinehurst Resort. Weeks later, they teamed in foursomes at the Walker Cup for the victorious Americans. More than a year after that, they were the only two amateurs standing on the weekend at the Masters.
Now, they’re on their way to professional careers.
Ogletree, the 22-year-old who had a standout four-year career at Georgia Tech, earned low amateur honors at the Masters with his 2-under performance for four rounds. He announced on Nov. 19 that he would turn professional and pursue a PGA Tour career. Augenstein, the 23-year-old who came back for an extra semester at Vanderbilt this fall, announced a similar decision on Monday.
Augenstein returned to Vanderbilt this fall to take advantage of an extra season of eligibility after the COVID-19 pandemic shortened the 2019-20 season in March. He teed it up in two of three fall tournaments with the Commodores, and his college golf swan song turned out to be his runner-up finish at the Vanderbilt Legends Collegiate in October.
The Owensboro, Kentucky, native had secured his spot on the end-of-fall Haskins Award Watch List and was fourth in the PGA Tour University standings, a new ranking that helps collegians launch a pro career.
“First of all, I am very excited for John as he embarks on his new journey as a professional golfer,” Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh said in a school release. “John’s decision did not catch any of us by surprise. As he has been throughout his career, he was very transparent with all of us from the beginning that this could be a possibility. John is physically and mentally ready and prepared to start this new chapter in his life.”
Ogletree, of Little Rock, Mississippi, revealed his decision to turn professional on Nov. 19, an announcement that corresponded with him signing on with Rock Sports Group for management.
I’ve been looking forward to this moment my whole life. Happy to say that I am officially a professional golfer ✅ pic.twitter.com/cKfRvD4yOH
— Andy Ogletree (@andy_ogletree) November 19, 2020
“My amateur golf career was an absolute blast and last week at the Masters is the perfect way for it to end,” Ogletree said. “I’ve had so much fun, met so many great people and have so many incredible memories, but it’s time for me to test my game at the next level, against the best of the best.”
“The game has taken me to so many special places already. I cannot wait to see where it will take me in the future.”
Ogletree played in three PGA Tour events this year and two majors – the U.S. Open in addition to the Masters. His best finish in those five pro starts came at the Masters, where he was 34th. Ogletree was ranked No. 4 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking when he turned professional.
Ogletree begins his professional career with five sponsors: Titleist, International Golf Logistics, Peter Millar, New South Ford in Meridian, MS, and Southern Pipe & Supply, also in Meridian.
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