PGA Tour's youngest player getting it done in Detroit
Aldrich Potgieter, standing on the practice green at Detroit Golf Club, said the most challenging part of his life was moving to Australia when he was eight and returning to South Africa at age 17 because the COVID-19 pandemic limited his opportunities to compete.
Potgieter is about to face another test.
The PGA Tour's youngest player and biggest hitter is going into the final round of the Rocket Classic with a two-shot lead, hoping to hold off a pack of players, including Collin Morikawa, for his first victory on the circuit.
"The leaderboard's so stacked," Potgieter said after he had five straight birdies in a seven-under 65 to surge into the lead at 19 under on Saturday.
The 20-year-old tour rookie started the week averaging 326.6 yards off the tee — several yards longer than Rory McIlroy — and credits his multi-sport childhood.
"I played a lot of sports, rugby, wrestling," Potgieter said.
"Kind of did everything as a kid. Didn't just focus on golf, so that kind of helped me build that strong foundation."
Max Greyserman (66), Jake Knapp (66), Mark Hubbard (67), Andrew Putnam (67) and Chris Kirk (69) were two shots back, while three more players were another stroke behind.
Morikawa, the highest-ranked player in the field at world No.5, shot a 68 to start the final round four shots adrift.
"Look, I know what's at stake," said the two-time major champion, who has not won on the tour since October 2023 at the Zozo Championship in Japan.
"I want to find a way to get it done."
In a nod to his native country, Potgieter's white golf shoes have the South Africa flag on the outside of his heels.
He won the British Amateur at the age of 17 and became the youngest Korn Ferry Tour winner last year, paving the way for him to become the second-youngest player to earn a PGA Tour card through the minor league just after his 20th birthday. The youngest was Aussie Jason Day, who was 19 in 2007.
While playing one of the easiest courses on the PGA Tour, it will likely be challenging for the world's 123rd-ranked player to hold off the competition.
Potgieter opened with a birdie and at the 372-yard, par-4 eighth hole, he pulled out his driver and sent the ball over towering trees and through the green before it finally rested in the rough. He went on to make an 11-foot putt for his fifth straight birdie and sixth of the afternoon to help him shoot a 30 on the front nine.
He cooled off on the back nine with a birdie at 13 before closing with five straight pars.
"That front nine really helped me to get through," Potgieter said.
"A lot of par saves on this back nine."
Min Woo Lee (68) is the best-placed Australian at 12 under, while Harrison Endycott (78) is five under.
With AAP.
Aldrich Potgieter, standing on the practice green at Detroit Golf Club, said the most challenging part of his life was moving to Australia when he was eight and returning to South Africa at age 17 because the COVID-19 pandemic limited his opportunities to compete.
Potgieter is about to face another test.
The PGA Tour's youngest player and biggest hitter is going into the final round of the Rocket Classic with a two-shot lead, hoping to hold off a pack of players, including Collin Morikawa, for his first victory on the circuit.
"The leaderboard's so stacked," Potgieter said after he had five straight birdies in a seven-under 65 to surge into the lead at 19 under on Saturday.
The 20-year-old tour rookie started the week averaging 326.6 yards off the tee — several yards longer than Rory McIlroy — and credits his multi-sport childhood.
"I played a lot of sports, rugby, wrestling," Potgieter said.
"Kind of did everything as a kid. Didn't just focus on golf, so that kind of helped me build that strong foundation."
Max Greyserman (66), Jake Knapp (66), Mark Hubbard (67), Andrew Putnam (67) and Chris Kirk (69) were two shots back, while three more players were another stroke behind.
Morikawa, the highest-ranked player in the field at world No.5, shot a 68 to start the final round four shots adrift.
"Look, I know what's at stake," said the two-time major champion, who has not won on the tour since October 2023 at the Zozo Championship in Japan.
"I want to find a way to get it done."
In a nod to his native country, Potgieter's white golf shoes have the South Africa flag on the outside of his heels.
He won the British Amateur at the age of 17 and became the youngest Korn Ferry Tour winner last year, paving the way for him to become the second-youngest player to earn a PGA Tour card through the minor league just after his 20th birthday. The youngest was Aussie Jason Day, who was 19 in 2007.
While playing one of the easiest courses on the PGA Tour, it will likely be challenging for the world's 123rd-ranked player to hold off the competition.
Potgieter opened with a birdie and at the 372-yard, par-4 eighth hole, he pulled out his driver and sent the ball over towering trees and through the green before it finally rested in the rough. He went on to make an 11-foot putt for his fifth straight birdie and sixth of the afternoon to help him shoot a 30 on the front nine.
He cooled off on the back nine with a birdie at 13 before closing with five straight pars.
"That front nine really helped me to get through," Potgieter said.
"A lot of par saves on this back nine."
Min Woo Lee (68) is the best-placed Australian at 12 under, while Harrison Endycott (78) is five under.
With AAP.
Aldrich Potgieter, standing on the practice green at Detroit Golf Club, said the most challenging part of his life was moving to Australia when he was eight and returning to South Africa at age 17 because the COVID-19 pandemic limited his opportunities to compete.
Potgieter is about to face another test.
The PGA Tour's youngest player and biggest hitter is going into the final round of the Rocket Classic with a two-shot lead, hoping to hold off a pack of players, including Collin Morikawa, for his first victory on the circuit.
"The leaderboard's so stacked," Potgieter said after he had five straight birdies in a seven-under 65 to surge into the lead at 19 under on Saturday.
The 20-year-old tour rookie started the week averaging 326.6 yards off the tee — several yards longer than Rory McIlroy — and credits his multi-sport childhood.
"I played a lot of sports, rugby, wrestling," Potgieter said.
"Kind of did everything as a kid. Didn't just focus on golf, so that kind of helped me build that strong foundation."
Max Greyserman (66), Jake Knapp (66), Mark Hubbard (67), Andrew Putnam (67) and Chris Kirk (69) were two shots back, while three more players were another stroke behind.
Morikawa, the highest-ranked player in the field at world No.5, shot a 68 to start the final round four shots adrift.
"Look, I know what's at stake," said the two-time major champion, who has not won on the tour since October 2023 at the Zozo Championship in Japan.
"I want to find a way to get it done."
In a nod to his native country, Potgieter's white golf shoes have the South Africa flag on the outside of his heels.
He won the British Amateur at the age of 17 and became the youngest Korn Ferry Tour winner last year, paving the way for him to become the second-youngest player to earn a PGA Tour card through the minor league just after his 20th birthday. The youngest was Aussie Jason Day, who was 19 in 2007.
While playing one of the easiest courses on the PGA Tour, it will likely be challenging for the world's 123rd-ranked player to hold off the competition.
Potgieter opened with a birdie and at the 372-yard, par-4 eighth hole, he pulled out his driver and sent the ball over towering trees and through the green before it finally rested in the rough. He went on to make an 11-foot putt for his fifth straight birdie and sixth of the afternoon to help him shoot a 30 on the front nine.
He cooled off on the back nine with a birdie at 13 before closing with five straight pars.
"That front nine really helped me to get through," Potgieter said.
"A lot of par saves on this back nine."
Min Woo Lee (68) is the best-placed Australian at 12 under, while Harrison Endycott (78) is five under.
With AAP.
Aldrich Potgieter, standing on the practice green at Detroit Golf Club, said the most challenging part of his life was moving to Australia when he was eight and returning to South Africa at age 17 because the COVID-19 pandemic limited his opportunities to compete.
Potgieter is about to face another test.
The PGA Tour's youngest player and biggest hitter is going into the final round of the Rocket Classic with a two-shot lead, hoping to hold off a pack of players, including Collin Morikawa, for his first victory on the circuit.
"The leaderboard's so stacked," Potgieter said after he had five straight birdies in a seven-under 65 to surge into the lead at 19 under on Saturday.
The 20-year-old tour rookie started the week averaging 326.6 yards off the tee — several yards longer than Rory McIlroy — and credits his multi-sport childhood.
"I played a lot of sports, rugby, wrestling," Potgieter said.
"Kind of did everything as a kid. Didn't just focus on golf, so that kind of helped me build that strong foundation."
Max Greyserman (66), Jake Knapp (66), Mark Hubbard (67), Andrew Putnam (67) and Chris Kirk (69) were two shots back, while three more players were another stroke behind.
Morikawa, the highest-ranked player in the field at world No.5, shot a 68 to start the final round four shots adrift.
"Look, I know what's at stake," said the two-time major champion, who has not won on the tour since October 2023 at the Zozo Championship in Japan.
"I want to find a way to get it done."
In a nod to his native country, Potgieter's white golf shoes have the South Africa flag on the outside of his heels.
He won the British Amateur at the age of 17 and became the youngest Korn Ferry Tour winner last year, paving the way for him to become the second-youngest player to earn a PGA Tour card through the minor league just after his 20th birthday. The youngest was Aussie Jason Day, who was 19 in 2007.
While playing one of the easiest courses on the PGA Tour, it will likely be challenging for the world's 123rd-ranked player to hold off the competition.
Potgieter opened with a birdie and at the 372-yard, par-4 eighth hole, he pulled out his driver and sent the ball over towering trees and through the green before it finally rested in the rough. He went on to make an 11-foot putt for his fifth straight birdie and sixth of the afternoon to help him shoot a 30 on the front nine.
He cooled off on the back nine with a birdie at 13 before closing with five straight pars.
"That front nine really helped me to get through," Potgieter said.
"A lot of par saves on this back nine."
Min Woo Lee (68) is the best-placed Australian at 12 under, while Harrison Endycott (78) is five under.
With AAP.
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The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Young gun survives epic playoff for first PGA success
Aldrich Potgieter has ended the protracted Rocket Classic, making an 18-foot birdie putt on the fifth playoff hole to outlast Max Greyserman for his first PGA Tour title. "I finally got one to the hole," Potgieter said after missed opportunities on the green by three players led to the longest playoff of the season on the tour. He celebrated on Sunday by embracing his caddie and shaking hands with Greyserman and his caddie before giving his father, Heinrich, a hug. The 20-year-old Potgieter is the youngest player on the tour and its biggest hitter, averaging 326-plus yards off the tee. He became the ninth player to win for the first time this season. Potgieter was born in South Africa, moved to Australia when he was eight and returned to South Africa at age 17 because the COVID-19 pandemic limited his opportunities to compete. "We had to give up a lot, moving to Australia, moving back," he said. "Emigrating is definitely not the easiest thing. Coming alone at the start of my career to the States and giving it a grind, and having my dad here has helped so much." Potgieter won the British Amateur title at the age of 17 and became the youngest Korn Ferry Tour winner last year, paving the way for him to become the second-youngest player to earn a PGA Tour card through the minor league just after his 20th birthday. The youngest was Aussie Jason Day, who was 19 in 2007. Chris Kirk was eliminated after missing a four-foot putt on the second playoff hole — that after pushing a nine-foot putt past the cup on the first extra hole with a chance to win. Greyserman and Potgieter each had opportunities to win it on the 72nd hole at Detroit Golf Club, but couldn't convert birdie opportunities to break a tie at 22 under with Kirk. "This one's going to sting for a little bit ... just wasn't my time," said Greyserman, who finished second for the fourth time after coming up short for his first PGA Tour victory. Potgieter, two strokes ahead entering the round, closed with a three-under 69, and American duo Greyserman and Kirk each shot 67. Michael Thorbjornsen (67) and Jake Knapp (68) finished a stroke out of the playoff. Collin Morikawa, meanwhile, is still waiting to end his drought. He shot a 68 to finish 19 under and in an eighth-place tie. The two-time major winner, who was the highest-ranked player in the field at world No.5, has not won the PGA Tour since October 2023. Min Woo Lee (68) finished joint-13th at 18 under as the best-placed Australian and Harrison Endycott (72) five under. Aldrich Potgieter has ended the protracted Rocket Classic, making an 18-foot birdie putt on the fifth playoff hole to outlast Max Greyserman for his first PGA Tour title. "I finally got one to the hole," Potgieter said after missed opportunities on the green by three players led to the longest playoff of the season on the tour. He celebrated on Sunday by embracing his caddie and shaking hands with Greyserman and his caddie before giving his father, Heinrich, a hug. The 20-year-old Potgieter is the youngest player on the tour and its biggest hitter, averaging 326-plus yards off the tee. He became the ninth player to win for the first time this season. Potgieter was born in South Africa, moved to Australia when he was eight and returned to South Africa at age 17 because the COVID-19 pandemic limited his opportunities to compete. "We had to give up a lot, moving to Australia, moving back," he said. "Emigrating is definitely not the easiest thing. Coming alone at the start of my career to the States and giving it a grind, and having my dad here has helped so much." Potgieter won the British Amateur title at the age of 17 and became the youngest Korn Ferry Tour winner last year, paving the way for him to become the second-youngest player to earn a PGA Tour card through the minor league just after his 20th birthday. The youngest was Aussie Jason Day, who was 19 in 2007. Chris Kirk was eliminated after missing a four-foot putt on the second playoff hole — that after pushing a nine-foot putt past the cup on the first extra hole with a chance to win. Greyserman and Potgieter each had opportunities to win it on the 72nd hole at Detroit Golf Club, but couldn't convert birdie opportunities to break a tie at 22 under with Kirk. "This one's going to sting for a little bit ... just wasn't my time," said Greyserman, who finished second for the fourth time after coming up short for his first PGA Tour victory. Potgieter, two strokes ahead entering the round, closed with a three-under 69, and American duo Greyserman and Kirk each shot 67. Michael Thorbjornsen (67) and Jake Knapp (68) finished a stroke out of the playoff. Collin Morikawa, meanwhile, is still waiting to end his drought. He shot a 68 to finish 19 under and in an eighth-place tie. The two-time major winner, who was the highest-ranked player in the field at world No.5, has not won the PGA Tour since October 2023. Min Woo Lee (68) finished joint-13th at 18 under as the best-placed Australian and Harrison Endycott (72) five under. Aldrich Potgieter has ended the protracted Rocket Classic, making an 18-foot birdie putt on the fifth playoff hole to outlast Max Greyserman for his first PGA Tour title. "I finally got one to the hole," Potgieter said after missed opportunities on the green by three players led to the longest playoff of the season on the tour. He celebrated on Sunday by embracing his caddie and shaking hands with Greyserman and his caddie before giving his father, Heinrich, a hug. The 20-year-old Potgieter is the youngest player on the tour and its biggest hitter, averaging 326-plus yards off the tee. He became the ninth player to win for the first time this season. Potgieter was born in South Africa, moved to Australia when he was eight and returned to South Africa at age 17 because the COVID-19 pandemic limited his opportunities to compete. "We had to give up a lot, moving to Australia, moving back," he said. "Emigrating is definitely not the easiest thing. Coming alone at the start of my career to the States and giving it a grind, and having my dad here has helped so much." Potgieter won the British Amateur title at the age of 17 and became the youngest Korn Ferry Tour winner last year, paving the way for him to become the second-youngest player to earn a PGA Tour card through the minor league just after his 20th birthday. The youngest was Aussie Jason Day, who was 19 in 2007. Chris Kirk was eliminated after missing a four-foot putt on the second playoff hole — that after pushing a nine-foot putt past the cup on the first extra hole with a chance to win. Greyserman and Potgieter each had opportunities to win it on the 72nd hole at Detroit Golf Club, but couldn't convert birdie opportunities to break a tie at 22 under with Kirk. "This one's going to sting for a little bit ... just wasn't my time," said Greyserman, who finished second for the fourth time after coming up short for his first PGA Tour victory. Potgieter, two strokes ahead entering the round, closed with a three-under 69, and American duo Greyserman and Kirk each shot 67. Michael Thorbjornsen (67) and Jake Knapp (68) finished a stroke out of the playoff. Collin Morikawa, meanwhile, is still waiting to end his drought. He shot a 68 to finish 19 under and in an eighth-place tie. The two-time major winner, who was the highest-ranked player in the field at world No.5, has not won the PGA Tour since October 2023. Min Woo Lee (68) finished joint-13th at 18 under as the best-placed Australian and Harrison Endycott (72) five under. Aldrich Potgieter has ended the protracted Rocket Classic, making an 18-foot birdie putt on the fifth playoff hole to outlast Max Greyserman for his first PGA Tour title. "I finally got one to the hole," Potgieter said after missed opportunities on the green by three players led to the longest playoff of the season on the tour. He celebrated on Sunday by embracing his caddie and shaking hands with Greyserman and his caddie before giving his father, Heinrich, a hug. The 20-year-old Potgieter is the youngest player on the tour and its biggest hitter, averaging 326-plus yards off the tee. He became the ninth player to win for the first time this season. Potgieter was born in South Africa, moved to Australia when he was eight and returned to South Africa at age 17 because the COVID-19 pandemic limited his opportunities to compete. "We had to give up a lot, moving to Australia, moving back," he said. "Emigrating is definitely not the easiest thing. Coming alone at the start of my career to the States and giving it a grind, and having my dad here has helped so much." Potgieter won the British Amateur title at the age of 17 and became the youngest Korn Ferry Tour winner last year, paving the way for him to become the second-youngest player to earn a PGA Tour card through the minor league just after his 20th birthday. The youngest was Aussie Jason Day, who was 19 in 2007. Chris Kirk was eliminated after missing a four-foot putt on the second playoff hole — that after pushing a nine-foot putt past the cup on the first extra hole with a chance to win. Greyserman and Potgieter each had opportunities to win it on the 72nd hole at Detroit Golf Club, but couldn't convert birdie opportunities to break a tie at 22 under with Kirk. "This one's going to sting for a little bit ... just wasn't my time," said Greyserman, who finished second for the fourth time after coming up short for his first PGA Tour victory. Potgieter, two strokes ahead entering the round, closed with a three-under 69, and American duo Greyserman and Kirk each shot 67. Michael Thorbjornsen (67) and Jake Knapp (68) finished a stroke out of the playoff. Collin Morikawa, meanwhile, is still waiting to end his drought. He shot a 68 to finish 19 under and in an eighth-place tie. The two-time major winner, who was the highest-ranked player in the field at world No.5, has not won the PGA Tour since October 2023. Min Woo Lee (68) finished joint-13th at 18 under as the best-placed Australian and Harrison Endycott (72) five under.
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11 hours ago
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WA-raised young gun Aldrich Potgieter survives epic playoff for first PGA success
WA-raised Aldrich Potgieter has ended the protracted Rocket Classic, making an 18-foot birdie putt on the fifth playoff hole to outlast Max Greyserman for his first PGA Tour title. 'I finally got one to the hole,' Potgieter said after missed opportunities on the green by three players led to the longest playoff of the season on the tour. He celebrated on Sunday by embracing his caddie and shaking hands with Greyserman and his caddie before giving his father, Heinrich, a hug. The 20-year-old Potgieter is the youngest player on the tour and its biggest hitter, averaging 326-plus yards off the tee. He became the ninth player to win for the first time this season. Potgieter was born in South Africa, moved to Perth when he was eight and returned to South Africa at age 17 because the COVID-19 pandemic limited his opportunities to compete. 'We had to give up a lot, moving to Australia, moving back,' he said. 'Emigrating is definitely not the easiest thing. Coming alone at the start of my career to the States and giving it a grind, and having my dad here has helped so much.' Potgieter won the British Amateur title at the age of 17 and became the youngest Korn Ferry Tour winner last year, paving the way for him to become the second-youngest player to earn a PGA Tour card through the minor league just after his 20th birthday. The youngest was Aussie Jason Day, who was 19 in 2007. Chris Kirk was eliminated after missing a four-foot putt on the second playoff hole — that after pushing a nine-foot putt past the cup on the first extra hole with a chance to win. Greyserman and Potgieter each had opportunities to win it on the 72nd hole at Detroit Golf Club, but couldn't convert birdie opportunities to break a tie at 22 under with Kirk. 'This one's going to sting for a little bit ... just wasn't my time,' said Greyserman, who finished second for the fourth time after coming up short for his first PGA Tour victory. Potgieter, two strokes ahead entering the round, closed with a three-under 69, and American duo Greyserman and Kirk each shot 67. Michael Thorbjornsen (67) and Jake Knapp (68) finished a stroke out of the playoff. Collin Morikawa, meanwhile, is still waiting to end his drought. He shot a 68 to finish 19 under and in an eighth-place tie. The two-time major winner, who was the highest-ranked player in the field at world No.5, has not won the PGA Tour since October 2023. Min Woo Lee (68) finished joint-13th at 18 under as the best-placed Australian and Harrison Endycott (72) five under.
