Ollie Schniederjans got his quest for a LIV Golf spot underway in emphatic fashion with victory at International Series India presented by DLF, and the American admitted the experience of missing out on a golden ticket last season helped maintain his focus when it mattered.
Schniederjans was in the field for the series opener in India on an exemption, as one of the top 10 at the LIV Golf Promotions event in Riyadh, and the 31-year-old produced a sensational performance over four fog-affected days on the testing Gary Player-designed course outside Delhi, finishing on 10 under overall.
That left him four shots ahead of LIV Golf’s Crushers GC star Bryson DeChambeau and another four in front of the US Open champion’s roster mates Abe Ancer of Fireballs GC and Joaquin Niemann, the Torque GC captain and 2024 Rankings champion on The International Series.
The victory gave the former Korn Ferry Tour star an invaluable 180 points in the season-long race for top spot on the rankings, and a coveted place on LIV Golf.
Schniederjans was buzzing about the pathway he was embarking on, as he said: “I think a lot of players don’t fully understand what this opportunity looks like. Honestly, I didn’t think about it much either—until Andy Ogletree did what he did (winning the 2023 Rankings race and claiming a place in the Hy Flyers GC team). Watching him play so well, win the Order of Merit, and earn a LIV Golf spot was eye-opening.
“This is an amazing experience, and the International Series events are world-class. The way the LIV Promotions event was run was one of the most refreshing experiences I’ve had. It was easily the most enjoyable week of my year.”
“Honestly, this is just more fun. The golf courses are amazing, and I’m competing against some of the best players in the world.
“I played 27 holes with Joaquin Niemann, and that was an incredible experience. He’s a special player. Even though he didn’t have his best day, it was great to compete alongside him. You don’t get those kinds of opportunities on the Korn Ferry Tour.”
Schniederjans had finished five shots behind International Series champion Lee Chieh-po in Riyadh, and revealed how the gruelling Promotions event was good preparation. He said: “The promotions event was a big test. It was a long day - 36 holes (on the final day) - and this was another long one with 27 holes. But after that event, I knew I needed to be at my best in the final stretch of tournaments.
“In the past, especially in Sunday back nines, I felt like I let my technique slip under pressure. When you’re in contention, you can easily fall into just trying to get the ball in the hole instead of staying true to your swing. I did a much better job of staying focused and executing properly.”
The series continues with International Series Macau presented by Wynn next up from 20-23 March, where American John Catlin will defend the title he won in stunning fashion last season.
Catlin went on to secure a spot as alternate on the LIV Golf League last season after that performance, which included an historic third round of 59, and impressed throughout with his best finish being a T7 in Nashville.
The International Series is the most prized pathway in golf. It consists of 10 elite tournaments sanctioned by the Asian Tour and offers the year-long Rankings leader promotion to the LIV Golf League
