Former Union High School golf standout Andy Ogletree is pictured with the trophy after winning the Cardinal Amateur golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., last month.

Although Andy Ogletree was the youngest golfer to compete in last month’s Cardinal Amateur golf tournament in Greensboro, N.C., that didn’t stop him from etching his name in the competition’s record book.

Ogletree, who recently graduated from Union High School, shot 65 on the first day of the three-day tournament to set the pace of play for the field of 75 at Sedgefield Country Club Dye Course.

“I got off to a good start — I shot 65 the first day, so I was in the lead,” he said. “The second day, I played OK. I had a bad finish the second day, but I was still tied in the lead.”

A stellar third day, in which he shot 67, was enough to clinch the victory.

“I got off to a good start and got an early lead and birdied two out of the first three holes, and it got close on the back nine, and I made an eagle and the guy in second made a bogey. I kind of pulled away there,” said Ogletree, who will play golf for Georgia Tech this upcoming season.

For those who know Andy and the Ogletree family best, Andy’s recent successes on the golf course and academic achievements couldn’t have happened to a more deserving individual.

Despite no longer living in Meridian, former Northwood Country Club Golf Pro Jimmy Gamblin remains in contact with the Olgetrees. Gamblin first met Andy and his father when Andy was 5 years old.

“He’s been a delight to be around and work with because he appreciates and understands the game, and he has always worked on his game to better himself. I have really enjoyed him — he’s brought a great deal of enjoyment to me to watch where he is now,” Gamblin, who was at Northwood Country Club for 38 years, said. “His whole family is a wonderful Christian family. They do everything together. His Aunt Margie has been one of his biggest boosters. It’s amazing how close they are — they’re what a true family should be. (Andy) is what junior golf is supposed to be.”

Current Northwood Country Club Golf Pro Billy Pomeroy said much of Andy’s success can be attributed to the influence of his parents, Jim and Melissa.

“Andy is a special kid; the whole Ogletree family is about as fine a family as you’re going to come to know and see,” Pomeroy said. “Andy is a great player, and he’s a true champion in all walks of his life — the way he conducts himself personally, and on the golf course. It’s been wonderful for the club to be able to watch Andy grow and follow him in his pursuit of becoming the best he can be in the game of golf. We look forward to following him at Georgia Tech.”

As the Cardinal Amateur golf tournament signaled the conclusion of his high school-era golf career, Ogletree said he’s excited to embark on his journey as a member of the Yellow Jackets golf team.

“We’re going to be good,” he said. “It’s a big team — qualifying will be tough, but I’m just looking forward to playing with (my teammates). We’ll be competing every single day, and I think that will help all of us a lot.”