DETROIT — Speaking from the practice green at Detroit Golf Club, Aldrich Potgieter reflected that the toughest periods of his life included relocating to Australia at age 8 and moving back to South Africa at 17 due to the limited competitive opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, Potgieter faces a different kind of challenge.
The PGA Tour`s youngest participant and one of its longest hitters, Potgieter enters the final round of the Rocket Classic holding a two-stroke advantage. He aims to secure his first tour win by fending off a competitive field that includes prominent players like Collin Morikawa.
“The leaderboard is incredibly strong,” Potgieter commented after shooting a round of 65 (7-under par) on Saturday, which featured five consecutive birdies and propelled him into the lead.
The 20-year-old rookie began the week averaging 326.6 yards off the tee, notably longer than players like Rory McIlroy. He attributes this power to his background in multiple sports as a child.
“I engaged in many sports, including rugby and wrestling,” said the 5-foot-11, 211-pound Potgieter. “I pretty much tried everything when I was young, not just concentrating on golf. This helped me build a solid physical base.”
Max Greyserman (66), Jake Knapp (66), Mark Hubbard (67), Andrew Putnam (67), and Chris Kirk (69) are two strokes behind. Three more players are one stroke further back.
“As long as you`re somewhat in contention on Sunday, that`s what truly matters,” Greyserman noted.
Morikawa, the highest-ranked player in the field at world No. 5, posted a 68 and starts the final round four shots behind. Two years ago in Detroit, he lost in a playoff to Rickie Fowler. Despite being a two-time major champion, Morikawa has not won on the tour since the Zozo Championship in Japan in October 2023.
“Look, I understand what`s on the line,” Morikawa stated. “I am determined to find a way to get the job done.”
As a tribute to his home country, Potgieter`s white golf shoes prominently display the South African flag on the outside of his heels.
He won the British Amateur at age 17 and became the youngest Korn Ferry Tour winner last year, achievements that paved his way to becoming the second-youngest player ever to earn a PGA Tour card via the minor league, just after turning 20. Jason Day holds the record, having done so at 19 in 2007.
Potgieter had a chance to win earlier this year.
He finished runner-up in a playoff at the Mexico Open in February, where a fortunate bounce for Brian Campbell`s tee shot on the second extra hole helped him. Following that, Potgieter missed the next four cuts and seven out of eight before finishing tied for sixth at the Charles Schwab Challenge last month, his most recent PGA Tour appearance in May.
Although Detroit Golf Club is recognized as one of the easier layouts on the PGA Tour, it is likely to present a significant challenge for the world`s 123rd-ranked player to maintain his lead against the competition.
While Potgieter`s powerful driving is certainly an asset, he also showcased delicate touch during his birdie run on the front nine of the third round.
He began the surge with a birdie, sinking a 35-foot shot from a bunker. His approach on the par-5 seventh landed deep in the rough, level with the pin but 78 feet to the right of the cup. He skillfully lofted the ball well past the hole, allowing it to roll back and settle near the pin, setting up an eight-foot putt he made for birdie.
On the 372-yard, par-4 eighth hole, he waited for Kevin Roy and Michael Thorbjornsen to clear the green because he intended to drive it.
Potgieter pulled out his driver and sent the ball over towering trees, through the green, and it finally came to rest in the rough 374 yards from the tee box. He then successfully made an 11-foot putt, his fifth consecutive birdie and sixth of the afternoon, contributing to a front-nine score of 30 and securing a two-shot lead.
He cooled off slightly on the back nine, adding a birdie at No. 13 and watching a 7-foot putt at the 14th lip out, missing a chance for a birdie on the par 5. Potgieter concluded his round with five consecutive pars.
“That front nine truly helped me build momentum,” Potgieter said. “I needed a lot of par saves on the back nine to stay in front.”
Wesley Dunham