Tag: Low amateur

Days after Masters glory, Andy Ogletree and John Augenstein have plans to turn pro

The only two amateurs to play the weekend at the Masters have both announced that they will begin pro careers immediately.

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.

“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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Andy Ogletree ends dream Masters with low amateur honors

Andy Ogletree wrapped up his first Masters as low amateur by beating out John Augenstein, the only other amateur to make the cut at Augusta.

Andy Ogletree ended his Masters Tournament just like he started: in a trio with Tiger Woods. Only this time, he was in Butler Cabin, not on the course, and being joined by champion Dustin Johnson.

Ogletree wrapped up his first Masters as low amateur with an even-par 72 on Sunday to finish at 2-under 286 to beat out John Augenstein, the only other amateur to make the cut, by five strokes.

“It was an awesome week. I got to experience everything the amateurs get to experience. I got here early. I came down a few times before the tournament. I stayed in the Crow’s Nest,” Ogletree said.

“So kind of everything you’d want to do as an amateur, I’ve kind of accomplished.”

Ogletree’s first Masters began when he was out on the practice green ahead of Thursday’s first round. Woods, his idol, walked up to him and said, “What’s up, man? Let’s go do this,” Ogletree recalled in his interview in Butler Cabin.

MASTERS: Leaderboard | Money | Winner’s bag | Photos

Playing alongside Woods, Ogletree said he let his nerves get to him early on. His tournament started 4 over through four holes. But he settled down and got back to playing his game, finishing his first round with a 73. He rebounded with rounds of 70-71 to make the cut.

On Sunday, Ogletree bogeyed his first two holes at 10 and 11. Despite the slow start, he recovered before finishing his first nine holes of the round, getting birdies on 15 and 16. He then birdied No. 2 and bogeyed No. 3 before shooting par the rest of the way.

Though it wasn’t a traditional April Masters, Ogletree said he got the full experience. Not just as an amateur, but as a competitor in the tournament. Following his Masters debut, Ogletree said he plans on turning pro “in the near future.”

“I’ve kind of done what I wanted to in amateur golf, and this just is the cherry on top for my amateur career, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds, but for now I’m just going to enjoy this moment,“ Ogletree said.

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