'Very cool': Minjee inspires Min Woo at Rocket Classic
Min Woo Lee has tipped his hat to brilliant sister Minjee following her latest major-winning exploit - and it seemed like the inspiration behind his dazzling nine-under-ar 63 in the first round of the Rocket Classic in Detroit.
Lee equalled the course record at the Detroit Golf Club as he made a fantastic start in a bid to lift a second PGA Tour title this year.
He finished the day in a three-way tied for third, one shot off the pace, after American Kevin Roy and South African sensation Aldrich Potgieter both bettered Lee's new course record with 10-under 62s.
Lee knew where the thanks were due after he got a surprise pep talk from big sister Minjee following her third major championship success in the Women's PGA in Texas last weekend.
Lee revealed before teeing off that he had had a call from 29-year-old Minjee - and it evidently worked wonders for a man who hasn't been playing his best of late.
"Normally, she doesn't check up on me, but it was actually quite nice to get a call from her," said little brother Min Woo.
"I was like, 'did you butt dial me? What's going on?' She's like, 'No, I just wanted to check in.' I was like, 'oh, okay'. She's awesome.
"I think she had a bit of a night on Sunday with a few of her friends. I think they all had a week off this week, so it's good to see her in a nice mental space and happy on the course.
"She was going through a tough patch the last couple of years, so it's nice to see her have her swagger back.
"I don't think she learns that much off me. I try to learn off her. She's just a beast when she's playing good.
"She just doesn't do much wrong and you just see that step in her walk. You know she's comfortable with her game and you know she's got control. She's already a ball striker, so it's quite cool to see her walk the walk. It's a very cool thing. We're trying to play as good as we can."
Something clearly rubbed off, though, as 26-year-old Min Woo, starting on the back nine, opened with birdie and then a bogey on Thursday (Friday AEST) before beginning a spectacular run that featured nine birdies over the next 16 holes.
His three straight birdies to finish the round left him tied for third with US pair Mark Hubbard and Max Greyserman, with another eight players within three strokes of the leading duo.
Lee is out to add to his one PGA Tour win, which came in March, but he's struggled since that victory in the Houston Open, missing the cut at both the PGA Championship and US Open.
Min Woo Lee has tipped his hat to brilliant sister Minjee following her latest major-winning exploit - and it seemed like the inspiration behind his dazzling nine-under-ar 63 in the first round of the Rocket Classic in Detroit.
Lee equalled the course record at the Detroit Golf Club as he made a fantastic start in a bid to lift a second PGA Tour title this year.
He finished the day in a three-way tied for third, one shot off the pace, after American Kevin Roy and South African sensation Aldrich Potgieter both bettered Lee's new course record with 10-under 62s.
Lee knew where the thanks were due after he got a surprise pep talk from big sister Minjee following her third major championship success in the Women's PGA in Texas last weekend.
Lee revealed before teeing off that he had had a call from 29-year-old Minjee - and it evidently worked wonders for a man who hasn't been playing his best of late.
"Normally, she doesn't check up on me, but it was actually quite nice to get a call from her," said little brother Min Woo.
"I was like, 'did you butt dial me? What's going on?' She's like, 'No, I just wanted to check in.' I was like, 'oh, okay'. She's awesome.
"I think she had a bit of a night on Sunday with a few of her friends. I think they all had a week off this week, so it's good to see her in a nice mental space and happy on the course.
"She was going through a tough patch the last couple of years, so it's nice to see her have her swagger back.
"I don't think she learns that much off me. I try to learn off her. She's just a beast when she's playing good.
"She just doesn't do much wrong and you just see that step in her walk. You know she's comfortable with her game and you know she's got control. She's already a ball striker, so it's quite cool to see her walk the walk. It's a very cool thing. We're trying to play as good as we can."
Something clearly rubbed off, though, as 26-year-old Min Woo, starting on the back nine, opened with birdie and then a bogey on Thursday (Friday AEST) before beginning a spectacular run that featured nine birdies over the next 16 holes.
His three straight birdies to finish the round left him tied for third with US pair Mark Hubbard and Max Greyserman, with another eight players within three strokes of the leading duo.
Lee is out to add to his one PGA Tour win, which came in March, but he's struggled since that victory in the Houston Open, missing the cut at both the PGA Championship and US Open.
Min Woo Lee has tipped his hat to brilliant sister Minjee following her latest major-winning exploit - and it seemed like the inspiration behind his dazzling nine-under-ar 63 in the first round of the Rocket Classic in Detroit.
Lee equalled the course record at the Detroit Golf Club as he made a fantastic start in a bid to lift a second PGA Tour title this year.
He finished the day in a three-way tied for third, one shot off the pace, after American Kevin Roy and South African sensation Aldrich Potgieter both bettered Lee's new course record with 10-under 62s.
Lee knew where the thanks were due after he got a surprise pep talk from big sister Minjee following her third major championship success in the Women's PGA in Texas last weekend.
Lee revealed before teeing off that he had had a call from 29-year-old Minjee - and it evidently worked wonders for a man who hasn't been playing his best of late.
"Normally, she doesn't check up on me, but it was actually quite nice to get a call from her," said little brother Min Woo.
"I was like, 'did you butt dial me? What's going on?' She's like, 'No, I just wanted to check in.' I was like, 'oh, okay'. She's awesome.
"I think she had a bit of a night on Sunday with a few of her friends. I think they all had a week off this week, so it's good to see her in a nice mental space and happy on the course.
"She was going through a tough patch the last couple of years, so it's nice to see her have her swagger back.
"I don't think she learns that much off me. I try to learn off her. She's just a beast when she's playing good.
"She just doesn't do much wrong and you just see that step in her walk. You know she's comfortable with her game and you know she's got control. She's already a ball striker, so it's quite cool to see her walk the walk. It's a very cool thing. We're trying to play as good as we can."
Something clearly rubbed off, though, as 26-year-old Min Woo, starting on the back nine, opened with birdie and then a bogey on Thursday (Friday AEST) before beginning a spectacular run that featured nine birdies over the next 16 holes.
His three straight birdies to finish the round left him tied for third with US pair Mark Hubbard and Max Greyserman, with another eight players within three strokes of the leading duo.
Lee is out to add to his one PGA Tour win, which came in March, but he's struggled since that victory in the Houston Open, missing the cut at both the PGA Championship and US Open.
Min Woo Lee has tipped his hat to brilliant sister Minjee following her latest major-winning exploit - and it seemed like the inspiration behind his dazzling nine-under-ar 63 in the first round of the Rocket Classic in Detroit.
Lee equalled the course record at the Detroit Golf Club as he made a fantastic start in a bid to lift a second PGA Tour title this year.
He finished the day in a three-way tied for third, one shot off the pace, after American Kevin Roy and South African sensation Aldrich Potgieter both bettered Lee's new course record with 10-under 62s.
Lee knew where the thanks were due after he got a surprise pep talk from big sister Minjee following her third major championship success in the Women's PGA in Texas last weekend.
Lee revealed before teeing off that he had had a call from 29-year-old Minjee - and it evidently worked wonders for a man who hasn't been playing his best of late.
"Normally, she doesn't check up on me, but it was actually quite nice to get a call from her," said little brother Min Woo.
"I was like, 'did you butt dial me? What's going on?' She's like, 'No, I just wanted to check in.' I was like, 'oh, okay'. She's awesome.
"I think she had a bit of a night on Sunday with a few of her friends. I think they all had a week off this week, so it's good to see her in a nice mental space and happy on the course.
"She was going through a tough patch the last couple of years, so it's nice to see her have her swagger back.
"I don't think she learns that much off me. I try to learn off her. She's just a beast when she's playing good.
"She just doesn't do much wrong and you just see that step in her walk. You know she's comfortable with her game and you know she's got control. She's already a ball striker, so it's quite cool to see her walk the walk. It's a very cool thing. We're trying to play as good as we can."
Something clearly rubbed off, though, as 26-year-old Min Woo, starting on the back nine, opened with birdie and then a bogey on Thursday (Friday AEST) before beginning a spectacular run that featured nine birdies over the next 16 holes.
His three straight birdies to finish the round left him tied for third with US pair Mark Hubbard and Max Greyserman, with another eight players within three strokes of the leading duo.
Lee is out to add to his one PGA Tour win, which came in March, but he's struggled since that victory in the Houston Open, missing the cut at both the PGA Championship and US Open.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Schmelzel, Valenzuela on track for first LPGA Tour wins
Sarah Schmelzel and Albane Valenzuela have taken the third-round lead in the Dow Championship, shooting a two-under 68 in alternate-shot play to move into position for their first LPGA Tour victories. Schmelzel and Valenzuela had a 13-under 197 total at Midland Country Cup heading into the better-ball final round. They opened with an alternate-shot 68 on Thursday and had a best-ball 61 on Friday. "You're kind of on pins and needles most of the day, just hoping you don't get your partner in trouble," American Schmelzel said. "Just super solid. I feel like we had really good attitudes throughout the entire day. I think both of us took every single shot as it came." The teams of Jin Hee Im-Somi Lee (68) and Manon De Roey-Pauline Roussin-Bouchard (69) were a stroke back. "I'm very proud of us," De Roey said. "We hung in there. We fought until the end." Jennifer Kupcho and Leona Maguire, the second-round leaders after a 60, birdied the final two holes on Saturday for a 72 that left them tied for fourth at 11 under with Lauren Hartlage-Brooke Matthews (66) and Sung Hyun Park-Ina Yoon (67). "Just try and go low and try and post a number early and see what happens," Maguire said. "I think it was nice to see two putts go in at the end." Lexi Thompson-Meghan Kang (68) and Rio Takeda-Miyu Yamashita (67) were 10 under. Defending champions Ruoning Yin and Jeeno Thitikul (67), both among the top five in the women's world ranking, were nine under along with Australia's Cassie Porter and Scot Gemma Dryburgh (73). Schmelzel and Valenzuela parred the final seven holes. They had four birdies and two bogeys in the round. "I feel like we had a really good day," Switzerland's Valenzuela said. "Our goal in foursomes was just to get a couple under or maybe a little bit better. We had a few mistakes, and that's going to happen in this format. We also did a lot of really good stuff." Sarah Schmelzel and Albane Valenzuela have taken the third-round lead in the Dow Championship, shooting a two-under 68 in alternate-shot play to move into position for their first LPGA Tour victories. Schmelzel and Valenzuela had a 13-under 197 total at Midland Country Cup heading into the better-ball final round. They opened with an alternate-shot 68 on Thursday and had a best-ball 61 on Friday. "You're kind of on pins and needles most of the day, just hoping you don't get your partner in trouble," American Schmelzel said. "Just super solid. I feel like we had really good attitudes throughout the entire day. I think both of us took every single shot as it came." The teams of Jin Hee Im-Somi Lee (68) and Manon De Roey-Pauline Roussin-Bouchard (69) were a stroke back. "I'm very proud of us," De Roey said. "We hung in there. We fought until the end." Jennifer Kupcho and Leona Maguire, the second-round leaders after a 60, birdied the final two holes on Saturday for a 72 that left them tied for fourth at 11 under with Lauren Hartlage-Brooke Matthews (66) and Sung Hyun Park-Ina Yoon (67). "Just try and go low and try and post a number early and see what happens," Maguire said. "I think it was nice to see two putts go in at the end." Lexi Thompson-Meghan Kang (68) and Rio Takeda-Miyu Yamashita (67) were 10 under. Defending champions Ruoning Yin and Jeeno Thitikul (67), both among the top five in the women's world ranking, were nine under along with Australia's Cassie Porter and Scot Gemma Dryburgh (73). Schmelzel and Valenzuela parred the final seven holes. They had four birdies and two bogeys in the round. "I feel like we had a really good day," Switzerland's Valenzuela said. "Our goal in foursomes was just to get a couple under or maybe a little bit better. We had a few mistakes, and that's going to happen in this format. We also did a lot of really good stuff." Sarah Schmelzel and Albane Valenzuela have taken the third-round lead in the Dow Championship, shooting a two-under 68 in alternate-shot play to move into position for their first LPGA Tour victories. Schmelzel and Valenzuela had a 13-under 197 total at Midland Country Cup heading into the better-ball final round. They opened with an alternate-shot 68 on Thursday and had a best-ball 61 on Friday. "You're kind of on pins and needles most of the day, just hoping you don't get your partner in trouble," American Schmelzel said. "Just super solid. I feel like we had really good attitudes throughout the entire day. I think both of us took every single shot as it came." The teams of Jin Hee Im-Somi Lee (68) and Manon De Roey-Pauline Roussin-Bouchard (69) were a stroke back. "I'm very proud of us," De Roey said. "We hung in there. We fought until the end." Jennifer Kupcho and Leona Maguire, the second-round leaders after a 60, birdied the final two holes on Saturday for a 72 that left them tied for fourth at 11 under with Lauren Hartlage-Brooke Matthews (66) and Sung Hyun Park-Ina Yoon (67). "Just try and go low and try and post a number early and see what happens," Maguire said. "I think it was nice to see two putts go in at the end." Lexi Thompson-Meghan Kang (68) and Rio Takeda-Miyu Yamashita (67) were 10 under. Defending champions Ruoning Yin and Jeeno Thitikul (67), both among the top five in the women's world ranking, were nine under along with Australia's Cassie Porter and Scot Gemma Dryburgh (73). Schmelzel and Valenzuela parred the final seven holes. They had four birdies and two bogeys in the round. "I feel like we had a really good day," Switzerland's Valenzuela said. "Our goal in foursomes was just to get a couple under or maybe a little bit better. We had a few mistakes, and that's going to happen in this format. We also did a lot of really good stuff." Sarah Schmelzel and Albane Valenzuela have taken the third-round lead in the Dow Championship, shooting a two-under 68 in alternate-shot play to move into position for their first LPGA Tour victories. Schmelzel and Valenzuela had a 13-under 197 total at Midland Country Cup heading into the better-ball final round. They opened with an alternate-shot 68 on Thursday and had a best-ball 61 on Friday. "You're kind of on pins and needles most of the day, just hoping you don't get your partner in trouble," American Schmelzel said. "Just super solid. I feel like we had really good attitudes throughout the entire day. I think both of us took every single shot as it came." The teams of Jin Hee Im-Somi Lee (68) and Manon De Roey-Pauline Roussin-Bouchard (69) were a stroke back. "I'm very proud of us," De Roey said. "We hung in there. We fought until the end." Jennifer Kupcho and Leona Maguire, the second-round leaders after a 60, birdied the final two holes on Saturday for a 72 that left them tied for fourth at 11 under with Lauren Hartlage-Brooke Matthews (66) and Sung Hyun Park-Ina Yoon (67). "Just try and go low and try and post a number early and see what happens," Maguire said. "I think it was nice to see two putts go in at the end." Lexi Thompson-Meghan Kang (68) and Rio Takeda-Miyu Yamashita (67) were 10 under. Defending champions Ruoning Yin and Jeeno Thitikul (67), both among the top five in the women's world ranking, were nine under along with Australia's Cassie Porter and Scot Gemma Dryburgh (73). Schmelzel and Valenzuela parred the final seven holes. They had four birdies and two bogeys in the round. "I feel like we had a really good day," Switzerland's Valenzuela said. "Our goal in foursomes was just to get a couple under or maybe a little bit better. We had a few mistakes, and that's going to happen in this format. We also did a lot of really good stuff."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
I'm good with Coco: Sabalenka buries Gauff fall-out
Wimbledon top seed Aryna Sabalenka says she has cleared the air with Coco Gauff after she raised eyebrows with her remarks in the aftermath of her French Open final loss to the American. An emotional Sabalenka described the match as the "worst tennis" she had played for many months and that her mistakes, rather than Gauff's excellence, had been the decisive factor. Sabalenka wrote to Gauff to apologise soon after, labelling her remarks "unprofessional" and the two rivals were seen chatting happily on the Wimbledon practice courts this week. "We've always been really good with Coco. Honestly, as I said in the statement and I messaged to her, I didn't really want to offend her," said Sabalenka, 27, who is aiming for her first Wimbledon title. "I was just completely, like, upset with myself, and emotions got over me. I just completely lost it. "Of course, she's got my respect. She knew it. She knows it. I'm happy that she was, like, 'yeah, it's all good, don't worry.' I was talking, we are good, we are friends. I hope the US media can be easy on me right now. "I did what I did. I get what I deserved, I believe. It was a tough time for me," she added, saying she has immersed herself in reading books to take her mind off her Paris heartache. Gauff won that error-strewn French final 6-7(5-7) 6-2 6-4 and is seeded No.2 at Wimbledon and the likelihood is that their compelling rivalry could continue in the final in a fortnight. Asked whether she would relish the chance to avenge the loss by beating Gauff in the Wimbledon final, Sabalenka sounded unsure. "I don't know, in this case maybe I don't want to see Coco if I make it to the finals. But if she's going to be there, I'm happy because I want to get the revenge!", said Sabalenka, who starts on Monday against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine Gauff has an added reason to achieve Wimbledon success, the completion of a rare Channel Slam. The last woman to achieve the Channel Slam -- winning Wimbledon and the French Open in the same year -- was Serena Williams, who accomplished the feat in 2002 and 2015. The 21-year-old Gauff, who became the first American woman since Williams in 2015 to win on the Roland Garros clay, said: "I understand why it (a Channel Slam) hasn't been done that often. Except I guess Carlos (Alcaraz), he makes it look pretty easy. Novak (Djokovic), too. I didn't realise it was 10 years since Serena.I would love to do that." Meanwhile Jessica Pegula showed she could be a Wimbledon contender as she beat five-time major champion Iga Swiatek 6-4 7-5 in the final of the Bad Homburg Open. With agencies Wimbledon top seed Aryna Sabalenka says she has cleared the air with Coco Gauff after she raised eyebrows with her remarks in the aftermath of her French Open final loss to the American. An emotional Sabalenka described the match as the "worst tennis" she had played for many months and that her mistakes, rather than Gauff's excellence, had been the decisive factor. Sabalenka wrote to Gauff to apologise soon after, labelling her remarks "unprofessional" and the two rivals were seen chatting happily on the Wimbledon practice courts this week. "We've always been really good with Coco. Honestly, as I said in the statement and I messaged to her, I didn't really want to offend her," said Sabalenka, 27, who is aiming for her first Wimbledon title. "I was just completely, like, upset with myself, and emotions got over me. I just completely lost it. "Of course, she's got my respect. She knew it. She knows it. I'm happy that she was, like, 'yeah, it's all good, don't worry.' I was talking, we are good, we are friends. I hope the US media can be easy on me right now. "I did what I did. I get what I deserved, I believe. It was a tough time for me," she added, saying she has immersed herself in reading books to take her mind off her Paris heartache. Gauff won that error-strewn French final 6-7(5-7) 6-2 6-4 and is seeded No.2 at Wimbledon and the likelihood is that their compelling rivalry could continue in the final in a fortnight. Asked whether she would relish the chance to avenge the loss by beating Gauff in the Wimbledon final, Sabalenka sounded unsure. "I don't know, in this case maybe I don't want to see Coco if I make it to the finals. But if she's going to be there, I'm happy because I want to get the revenge!", said Sabalenka, who starts on Monday against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine Gauff has an added reason to achieve Wimbledon success, the completion of a rare Channel Slam. The last woman to achieve the Channel Slam -- winning Wimbledon and the French Open in the same year -- was Serena Williams, who accomplished the feat in 2002 and 2015. The 21-year-old Gauff, who became the first American woman since Williams in 2015 to win on the Roland Garros clay, said: "I understand why it (a Channel Slam) hasn't been done that often. Except I guess Carlos (Alcaraz), he makes it look pretty easy. Novak (Djokovic), too. I didn't realise it was 10 years since Serena.I would love to do that." Meanwhile Jessica Pegula showed she could be a Wimbledon contender as she beat five-time major champion Iga Swiatek 6-4 7-5 in the final of the Bad Homburg Open. With agencies Wimbledon top seed Aryna Sabalenka says she has cleared the air with Coco Gauff after she raised eyebrows with her remarks in the aftermath of her French Open final loss to the American. An emotional Sabalenka described the match as the "worst tennis" she had played for many months and that her mistakes, rather than Gauff's excellence, had been the decisive factor. Sabalenka wrote to Gauff to apologise soon after, labelling her remarks "unprofessional" and the two rivals were seen chatting happily on the Wimbledon practice courts this week. "We've always been really good with Coco. Honestly, as I said in the statement and I messaged to her, I didn't really want to offend her," said Sabalenka, 27, who is aiming for her first Wimbledon title. "I was just completely, like, upset with myself, and emotions got over me. I just completely lost it. "Of course, she's got my respect. She knew it. She knows it. I'm happy that she was, like, 'yeah, it's all good, don't worry.' I was talking, we are good, we are friends. I hope the US media can be easy on me right now. "I did what I did. I get what I deserved, I believe. It was a tough time for me," she added, saying she has immersed herself in reading books to take her mind off her Paris heartache. Gauff won that error-strewn French final 6-7(5-7) 6-2 6-4 and is seeded No.2 at Wimbledon and the likelihood is that their compelling rivalry could continue in the final in a fortnight. Asked whether she would relish the chance to avenge the loss by beating Gauff in the Wimbledon final, Sabalenka sounded unsure. "I don't know, in this case maybe I don't want to see Coco if I make it to the finals. But if she's going to be there, I'm happy because I want to get the revenge!", said Sabalenka, who starts on Monday against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine Gauff has an added reason to achieve Wimbledon success, the completion of a rare Channel Slam. The last woman to achieve the Channel Slam -- winning Wimbledon and the French Open in the same year -- was Serena Williams, who accomplished the feat in 2002 and 2015. The 21-year-old Gauff, who became the first American woman since Williams in 2015 to win on the Roland Garros clay, said: "I understand why it (a Channel Slam) hasn't been done that often. Except I guess Carlos (Alcaraz), he makes it look pretty easy. Novak (Djokovic), too. I didn't realise it was 10 years since Serena.I would love to do that." Meanwhile Jessica Pegula showed she could be a Wimbledon contender as she beat five-time major champion Iga Swiatek 6-4 7-5 in the final of the Bad Homburg Open. With agencies Wimbledon top seed Aryna Sabalenka says she has cleared the air with Coco Gauff after she raised eyebrows with her remarks in the aftermath of her French Open final loss to the American. An emotional Sabalenka described the match as the "worst tennis" she had played for many months and that her mistakes, rather than Gauff's excellence, had been the decisive factor. Sabalenka wrote to Gauff to apologise soon after, labelling her remarks "unprofessional" and the two rivals were seen chatting happily on the Wimbledon practice courts this week. "We've always been really good with Coco. Honestly, as I said in the statement and I messaged to her, I didn't really want to offend her," said Sabalenka, 27, who is aiming for her first Wimbledon title. "I was just completely, like, upset with myself, and emotions got over me. I just completely lost it. "Of course, she's got my respect. She knew it. She knows it. I'm happy that she was, like, 'yeah, it's all good, don't worry.' I was talking, we are good, we are friends. I hope the US media can be easy on me right now. "I did what I did. I get what I deserved, I believe. It was a tough time for me," she added, saying she has immersed herself in reading books to take her mind off her Paris heartache. Gauff won that error-strewn French final 6-7(5-7) 6-2 6-4 and is seeded No.2 at Wimbledon and the likelihood is that their compelling rivalry could continue in the final in a fortnight. Asked whether she would relish the chance to avenge the loss by beating Gauff in the Wimbledon final, Sabalenka sounded unsure. "I don't know, in this case maybe I don't want to see Coco if I make it to the finals. But if she's going to be there, I'm happy because I want to get the revenge!", said Sabalenka, who starts on Monday against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine Gauff has an added reason to achieve Wimbledon success, the completion of a rare Channel Slam. The last woman to achieve the Channel Slam -- winning Wimbledon and the French Open in the same year -- was Serena Williams, who accomplished the feat in 2002 and 2015. The 21-year-old Gauff, who became the first American woman since Williams in 2015 to win on the Roland Garros clay, said: "I understand why it (a Channel Slam) hasn't been done that often. Except I guess Carlos (Alcaraz), he makes it look pretty easy. Novak (Djokovic), too. I didn't realise it was 10 years since Serena.I would love to do that." Meanwhile Jessica Pegula showed she could be a Wimbledon contender as she beat five-time major champion Iga Swiatek 6-4 7-5 in the final of the Bad Homburg Open. With agencies
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
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.
