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.
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The Advertiser
10 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.
West Australian
12 hours ago
- West Australian
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.
Sydney Morning Herald
12 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
He's mentored by SBW, plays the flute and is a champion swimmer. Now he's chasing his Wimbledon dream
He answered every question thoughtfully, including extended pauses, and even asked to go again on one occasion to offer a better answer. The Filipino-born world No.177 already won a round at this year's Australian Open, and is competing with the likes of Tristan Schoolkate and Li Tu to be the next Aussie man to crack the top 100. McCabe's dad, Irish-born Patrick, and former world No.15 Wally Masur are coaching him. 'Tennis has always been my dream. Dad took me on the court when I was two-and-a-half, and I could rally the first time I picked up a racquet,' McCabe said. 'Dad has the video somewhere. He thought it was a bit silly – I had a diaper on at the time.' McCabe hates swimming so much from his competitive experience that he barely gets wet these days. He dumped that sport at 15 and made an instant impact when he began swinging a racquet again. Loading McCabe won the singles at the Pizzey Cup team event, then captured the singles and doubles titles in his age group at Tennis Australia's December Showdown to stamp his ticket for the 2020 Junior Australian Open. '[But] I dropped the racquets again, COVID hit, and I got really fat – Sonny always makes jokes about it, so I don't really want those photos being released,' McCabe said. 'We had the UTR [tournaments] in Sydney and Brisbane during COVID, and that's when I met Wally and basically, everything kicked off. Wally's mentored and coached me since.' TA granted McCabe a wildcard into last year's Australian Open, then again this past January, but this is the first time he has qualified for a major. His first-round Wimbledon foe, Marozsan, has been ranked in the top 40 and made the round of 32 at the past two Australian Opens, so McCabe has his work cut out. 'It's going to be a battle. I'm excited,' he said. 'I've just got to get my emotions in check. I'll have [time] to go and see and explore Wimbledon, then [I will get] back into training and try to stay calm and plan and do everything I possibly can to hopefully get over the line.' McCabe needed less time to give his opinion on the long-awaited Sonny Bill Williams-Paul Gallen boxing match in Sydney on July 16. Ex-rugby superstar Williams is a long-time family friend of the McCabes, and was in his player box for his breakthrough victory at Melbourne Park in January. They FaceTime each other, and Williams sent McCabe a message of congratulations after he qualified for Wimbledon. Loading They even share the same manager, Khoder Nasser. 'I'm very lucky and grateful that I have Sonny Bill mentoring me and giving me all his tips,' McCabe said. '[He might be] the greatest of all-time in his field, and the way he carries himself – his humbleness – [is rare]. Giving away your gold medal after winning the world championships [in 2015] would make anyone cry. 'The more banter, the better. Hopefully, one is on the floor, and it's not Sonny. Sonny is always my No.1. Brother, you've got this – believe.'
