Schniederjans’ mindset powers return for The International Series’ second stretch

LONDON - LIV Golf reserve player Ollie Schniederjans has been showing the resilience to go with a champion's mentality on The International Series as he looks to cap a remarkable comeback with a place on the LIV Golf League next season.

Ranked as the world's No.1 amateur for 41 consecutive weeks in 2014, Schniederjans was considered one of the most promising rising stars in the game. But after battling a series of injuries and undergoing double hip surgeries in 2022, he had every reason to doubt his place at the top level.

His victory at International Series India presented by DLF earlier this year, where he held off a quality field including two-time major champion and Crushers GC Captain Bryson DeChambeau, was proof positive of his ability.

“I didn’t need the win in India to prove I could do it,” said Schniederjans. “I know the level. I’ve played a lot of high-level golf. But after a long time away, it’s good to remind yourself, and others, what you’re capable of.”

Schniederjans had earned his place in the field for the DLF Golf and Country Club event through a top-10 finish at LIV Golf Promotions in Riyadh at the end of last season, which provided an exemption for all 10 events on The International Series.

Now he's in the hunt for top spot on The International Series Rankings, and the coveted place on the LIV Golf League that goes to the champion.

Andy Ogletree knows all about that pathway, having earned his place on Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC team after finishing top of The International Series 2023 Rankings.

After an impressive debut in the 2024 LIV Golf League, highlighted by a T3 finish in Adelaide and T6 in the UK, this year has proved more challenging for the American, who will be looking to work his way back into the League after the season ended.

“It was awesome to see Ollie win in India,” said Ogletree, a three-time champion on The International Series. “He’s been hurt the past few years, but now that he’s healthy, people will see just how good he really is. Winning your first tournament back is always a really cool experience, and for Ollie, it’s just the start of something big.”

Ogletree isn’t just a fellow competitor, he was also college roommate with Schniederjans’ younger brother Luke for four years at Georgia Tech, giving him a front-row seat to Schniederjans’ rise from the early days. “I’ve watched Ollie’s game evolve since back then, and now that he’s back in form, I’m excited to see what the rest of the year holds for him.”

Since then, Schniederjans has shown no signs of slowing down. He was called upon as a reserve on the LIV Golf League, stepping in for some of the game’s biggest names.

He filled in for HyFlyers GC at LIV Golf Riyadh, finishing T30, replaced Jinichiro Kozuma at LIV Golf Hong Kong, and stood in for RangeGoats GC’s Matthew Wolff at LIV Golf Dallas and Virginia, gaining valuable experience and continuing to prove he belongs among the game’s elite.

“Whether I’m 100% or not, I want to be out here competing, pushing myself,” he said. “Every event is a chance to prove what I can do.”

His recent appearance at International Series Morocco is yet more testament to that mindset. After his breakthrough win in India, Schniederjans was forced to miss both International Series Japan presented by Moutai and International Series Macau presented by Wynn, and with them, the opportunity to collect vital rankings points in his pursuit of a LIV Golf League spot.

The setback stemmed from a core injury that required a rework of his entire set-up. Yet instead of retreating, Schniederjans chose the long road back, leaning on discipline, self-awareness, and an unwavering drive to return stronger.

Despite still adjusting his swing and managing the physical demands of tour life, he only missed the cut in Morocco by one stroke.

“My goal isn’t just to be back. I want to be better. I want to be consistent, play well often, and keep pushing,” he said. “But I also have to be patient. I can’t hit a million balls yet. I’m listening to my body, building something sustainable.”

Off the course, he’s also been navigating the complexities of the professional golf landscape and has made a clear choice to prioritize his own career path.

“I’m doing what’s best for me, taking every opportunity to get better," he said. "I believe there’ll be pathways back to majors and the LIV Golf League. That’s where I want to be.”

Now, with the second half of The International Series season on the horizon, featuring six events in Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia, Schniederjans is ready to keep climbing.

“There’s a lot of golf left this year, and I plan to be there for all of it,” he said.