Ogilvy enjoying his newest title, U.S. Open Champion
Geoff Ogilvy may have royal lineage, but his victory at the 2006 U.S. Open ensures he will be part of an even more distinct group. Ogilvy will take part in his first Grand Slam, the most exclusive golf tournament in the world.
By Bob Denney, PGA of America
Golf's singular nature has always appealed to Geoff Ogilvy. This laid back 29-year old who would just as soon wear Puma flip flops than he would cleats has affection for a game that you play on your own and is in his word, "unperfectable."
Growing up in Melbourne, Australia, Ogilvy was a star distance runner in high school, but he knew as a child that he wanted to be a professional golfer. His father, Mike, who had helped his son begin playing the game, was an equal inspiration along with Australia icon Greg Norman.
Mike gave his son a cut-down club at age 7, and Geoff would go on to be a scratch golfer by age 16.
Those who know Ogilvy best insist that his parents and friends all knew that he had the talent to compete at golf's highest level, but the last guy to realize it was himself.
Unlike many of his peers, Ogilvy does not consult a mental strength coach for counsel. The motivation and the self-reliance come from within. As for the mechanics of his long, fluid swing and in developing course strategy, Ogilvy has partnered throughout his career with Coach Dale Lynch of Melbourne.
As an amateur, Ogilvy played a schedule that built his confidence. During final round of the 1995 Australian Open, he was paired with Steve Elkington and defeated his partner, who would go on to win the PGA Championship that year.
Ogilvy's quest for excellence reached a crescendo this year with his victory in the U.S. Open at rugged Winged Foot Golf Club. The victory, overshadowed by the collapse of others around him, was achieved because of a final-hole strategy of achieving an up-and-down par that will be the subject of highlight reels for decades.
One of Ogilvy's hobbies is cycling, and it should come as no surprise that he is a fan of someone who knows something about achieving against all odds -- Lance Armstrong.
Ogilvy attended three Tour Qualifying Schools
-- 1998 in Australia, 1999 in the European PGA Tour, and 2001 in the PGA Tour. He graduated from all three and joined the PGA Tour in 2001.
Perhaps Ogilvy's family tree may have something to do with his success. But, it is certainly the subject of great conversation beyond the borders of the clubhouse lounge. Ogilvy's father was born in England and is a descendant of Sir Angus Ogilvy, a member of Great Britain's Royal Family. And, he is a distant relative of Scotland's king of Bannockburn fame, Robert the Bruce.
Ogilvy established himself on the global stage by winning the Accenture Match Play Championship this year and four months later captured the U.S. Open.
Four months after his victory in the Accenture Match Play Championship, Ogilvy and his wife, Juli, were invited to a dinner party at the White House. Among the guests were Australia Prime Minister Howard and table partner, President George W. Bush.
President Bush and Ogilvy talked about sports throughout the dinner.
"All he wanted to do was talk sport," said Ogilvy. "No politics. Maybe that was the reason I was there. I'm an Australian and we love our sport."
Ogilvy and his wife had something later arrive in the mail that proved to their friends and relatives that this memorable occasion actually happened. An official White House photograph featured Ogilvy and Juli, along with President and First Lady Laura Bush, Prime Minister Howard and his wife, Jeannette.
Perhaps Geoff didn't have to pinch himself after that, but he might have had the inclination to do so after a par putt rolled into the cup on the 72nd hole at Winged Foot.
