“I need points, plain and simple,” Ogletree said. “I have to go play well and get in contention and get a lot of points. So that’s what we’re trying to do.” Drawing on early pro advice, he aims to chase the lead rather than just survive, saying, “I’m trying to win a golf tournament and let the rest take care of itself.”
His T18 at JCB, earning two points, created some momentum, though he noted a slightly higher finish would have made a major difference in terms of points. “One shot better could’ve meant a lot more points; you need that top 15 to really move up,” he said.
Still battling the effects of his 2024 wrist surgery, Ogletree admitted, “I think anytime you come off a major surgery and then keep your job the next year, it’s a hard thing to do. I don’t think people realize the mental stress and all the hours with the physio and all that goes into dealing with coming back from an injury. I’ve struggled with it all year and to be honest with you, I still don’t feel 100%, but I’ve got to grind it out and do my best.”
With every shot in Chicago this week critical, Ogletree must overcome adversity once again to earn his place next season.
Torque GC’s Mito Pereira, who was once one swing away from becoming a major champion at the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills, is another player who needs a good performance to earn a spot on LIV Golf next year. Torque captain Joaquin Niemann, who’s good friends with Pereira, commented on the potential fate of his teammate.
“Yeah, obviously it’s part of the game,” Niemann said, “I feel like everybody is going through ups and downs. It’s just another moment for Mito. I feel like he’s going to be fine. He’s a great player, a great human being. He’s going to be fine.”