Aldrich Potgieter claims first PGA Tour victory at Rocket Classic
Image:/AFP
South African Aldrich Potgieter sank a birdie putt from just inside 18 feet on the fifth playoff hole to win the Rocket Classic for his first US PGA Tour title.
The 20-year-old grabbed the victory in just his 20th PGA start, beating American Max Greyserman in the hour-long playoff drama after American Chris Kirk had been eliminated on the second extra hole.
The playoff had returned to the par-three 15th at Detroit golf Club for the second time in the playoff when Potgieter, who had missed winning putts on the two prior extra holes, sank the winning putt after Greyserman missed a 34-foot birdie putt.
Potgieter's Dramatic Comeback Leads to Playoff After Tough Start
'Finally got one to the hole and saw the ball roll end over end and just knew it was going to go in,' Potgieter said.
'I'm just happy to walk away as a winner.'
Greyserman and Kirk each shot 67 and 54-hole leader Potgieter fired a 69 to finish deadlocked after 72 holes on 22-under 266.
Potgieter made two bogeys in the first five holes but battled back with birdies on three of the last six holes and a clutch five-foot par putt at 18 to make the playoff.
'It was definitely a tough day,' Potgieter said. 'The start didn't go my way. I struggled to make putts, left a lot short.'
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