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 7-under 65 to surge into the lead 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,” the 5-foot-11, 211-pound 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. Three more players were another stroke behind.
“As long as you’re kind of hanging around on Sunday, that’s what counts,” Greyserman said.
Collin Morikawa, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 5 in the world, shot a 68 to start the final round four shots back. Two years ago in Detroit, he was outlasted by Rickie Fowler in a playoff. Morikawa, a two-time major champion, has not won on the tour since October 2023 at the Zozo Championship in Japan.
“Look, I know what’s at stake,” Morikawa said. “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 African 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 Jason Day, who was 19 in 2007.
Potgieter was in a position to win earlier this year.
He lost a playoff at the Mexico Open in February, when Brian Campbell got a big break when his tee shot on the second extra hole went off a tree and back in play. He missed the next four cuts and seven of eight before he was tied for sixth at the Charles Schwab Challenge last month in his last PGA Tour start last month.
While the Detroit Golf Club is 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’s driver certainly gives him a shot, but he also flashed some of his finesse during his birdie streak on the front nine in the third round.
He opened with a birdie on a 35-foot shot from a bunker. His approach on the par-5 seventh was buried in the rough, pin high and 78 feet to the right of the cup. He lofted the ball past the hole and it rolled back toward it, setting up an eight-foot birdie putt.
At the 372-yard, par-4 eighth hole, he waited for Kevin Roy and Michael Thorbjornsen to exit the green because he was going for it.
Potgieter pulled out his driver and sent the ball over towering trees and through the green before it finally rested in the rough 374 yards from the tee. 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 for a two-shot lead.
He cooled off on the back nine with a birdie at No. 13 and lipping out on a 7-foot putt at the 14th, missing a chance to birdie the par 5, and closed with five pars in a row.
“That front nine really helped me to get through,” Potgieter said. “A lot of par saves on this back nine.”
the Detroit Golf Club is buzzing alive with a palpable sense of anticipation The air crackles with excitement as fans gather eager to witness what could be a historic moment in golf Aldrich Poter a name that might not have been on everyone’s radar just days ago But now at just 20 years old he stands on the precipice of something truly special He is leading the Rocket Mortgage Classic and not by accident This isn’t a fluke It’s the culmination of talent hard work and a fearless approach to the game He’s played fearless dominant golf showcasing a level of skill and composure that belies his young age Every swing is deliberate every shot calculated He’s electrifying fans and players alike The energy surrounding Puggeer is infectious drawing in even the most casual observers His third round was unforgettable a display of precision and poise that will be talked about for years to come Seven birdies in a row a feat that requires not only skill but also unwavering mental fortitude From holes two through eight he was simply unstoppable painting a masterpiece on the Detroit Golf Club canvas Each putt dropped with confidence as if guided by an invisible hand finding the bottom of the cup with uncanny accuracy The crowd growing louder with every stroke feeding off his energy and creating an atmosphere of pure exhilaration This birdie streak vaulted him to a commanding lead a testament to his exceptional play and unwavering focus separating him from the field establishing himself as the clear frontr runner in this highstakes competition Potgeator’s game is firing on all cylinders Every aspect of his performance is working in perfect harmony Long drives that split the fairway with remarkable consistency setting him up for advantageous approach shots precise irons that find the green with pinpoint accuracy leaving him with makeable birdie opportunities and a red-hot putter that seems to have a magnetic attraction to the hole He’s calm on the outside maintaining a composed and collected demeanor even under immense pressure But you can sense the hunger for his first PGA Tour win simmering beneath the surface A burning desire to etch his name in the annals of golf history As he heads into Sunday the pressure mounts the weight of expectations settling heavily on his young shoulders No lead is safe in golf especially not on a Sunday when anything can happen and fortunes can change in an instant especially with a field of hungry contenders behind him all vying for the same prize and eager to capitalize on any slip up The final round will test his nerves and resolve pushing him to his absolute limit both physically and mentally Can this young phenom handle the heat maintain his composure under the intense scrutiny and finish the job converting his impressive lead into a career-defining victory The stage is set for a dramatic Sunday in Detroit a day filled with nail-biting moments and unforgettable performances Poters performance has already made history His third round will be etched in the record books for years to come But can he make it count when it matters most When the pressure is at its highest and the stakes are at their greatest The world is watching captivated by the unfolding drama and eager to see if this young star can rise to the occasion To see if he can maintain his form replicate the brilliance he displayed in the third round and claim a life-changing victory A moment that would catapult him into the upper echelons of the golfing world Every shot will matter Every decision will be crucial And every putt will carry the weight of his dreams The Rocket Mortgage Classic could be the start of something special The beginning of a long and illustrious career for Aldrich Potgeer For Poter it’s more than a tournament It’s a defining moment an opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage It’s a chance to announce himself to the world to show everyone that he has the talent the drive and the mental fortitude to compete with the best The question the burning question on everyone’s mind Will he seize it Will he rise to the occasion and claim his place among the golfing elite Only time will tell Aldrich Poter’s journey to the PGA Tour a dream pursued with unwavering dedication is a story of resilience adaptation and the relentless pursuit of excellence against all odds Born in the scenic coastal town of Moscel Bay South Africa he grew up immersed in a rich golfing heritage inspired by the legendary careers of Gary Player and the smooth swing of Ernie L’s Early days spent honing his skills on local courses shaped not only his technique but also his deep love and respect for the game Then a major move His family made the lifealtering decision to relocate to the vibrant shores of Australia New country new culture new golf courses A completely different golfing landscape awaited him Poter still a young and impressionable player had to adapt quickly to these unfamiliar surroundings The challenge of adapting to a new environment built his independence forcing him to rely on his own resources and forged an unshakable mental toughness that would become a hallmark of his game Australian courses with their unique layouts and conditions demanded new skills and strategies ultimately making him a more versatile and well-rounded player capable of handling any challenge Beyond golf he also played rugby and cricket further broadening his athletic horizons These diverse sporting experiences were instrumental in developing exceptional athleticism and finely tuned hand eye coordination that now set him apart from his peers and contribute to his distinctive style on the golf course After several formative years spent honing his craft in Australia the family made the decision to return to their roots heading back to South Africa Another transition another significant shift in environment another test of character further solidifying his ability to adapt and overcome These moves spanning continents and cultures gave Potgeer a unique global perspective providing him with a competitive advantage and a worldly outlook that few others possess He learned to thrive in unfamiliar and often high-pressure situations a crucial skill for any aspiring professional golfer a trait that serves him exceptionally well as he navigates the challenges and demands of the PGA Tour His remarkable journey across continents marked by constant adaptation and unwavering determination forged the resilient adaptable and exceptionally tough competitor that we have the privilege of witnessing today Potgeator’s story is a powerful testament and irrefutable proof that true greatness is not merely given but painstakingly built through challenge perseverance and an unyielding belief in oneself Poter’s rise began on the amateur circuit where his raw talent and dedication quickly set him apart from the competition He displayed a natural aptitude for the game honing his skills through countless hours of practice and a relentless pursuit of excellence His amateur career was highlighted by his remarkable 2022 amateur championship win A defining moment that showcased his potential to the world This victory not only solidified his status as a top amateur player but also opened doors to opportunities he had only dreamed of That victory opened doors to the world’s biggest stages invitations to compete alongside the game’s elite and a chance to test his medal against the best the open the masters These prestigious major championships provided him with invaluable experience exposing him to the pressures and challenges of competing at the highest level He absorbed every moment learning from both his successes and his mistakes Turning pro he joined the cornfairy tour eager to prove himself in the professional ranks and begin his ascent towards the PGA Tour He made an immediate impact quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with He announced his arrival by winning the Bahamas great Abico Classic in his debut A statement victory that showcased his talent and determination But the PGA Tour is a different beast altogether A realm where the competition is fiercer the pressure is immense and the margin for error is razor thin Poter has faced close calls and tough Sundays Moments where victory seemed within reach only to slip away in the face of adversity He’s been learning hard lessons under pressure understanding the nuances of course management and the importance of mental fortitude Each near miss has fueled his determination igniting a fire within him to push harder learn faster and emerge stronger This week in Detroit he’s putting it all together His talent his experience and his unwavering resolve He’s playing with a new level of maturity and calm demonstrating a composure that belies his young age The setbacks have only made him hungrier more determined to seize the opportunity before him He knows what’s at stake the chance to etch his name in the annals of golf history A win would change everything catapulting him into the upper echelons of the sport Every experience from amateur triumphs to pro struggles has been a stepping stone on his path Each challenge each victory each setback has prepared him for this defining moment Now he stands on the brink of his first PGA Tour title within striking distance of achieving a lifelong dream The question isn’t if he’s ready He’s put in the work honed his skills and stealed his mind It’s whether he can seize the moment embrace the pressure and execute when it matters most Poter’s journey has led to this stage a culmination of years of dedication sacrifice and unwavering belief Sunday is his chance to break through to transform potential into reality and to claim his place among the games elite Pocket’s game is defined by power He’s one of the longest hitters on tour This week his length has let him attack Detroit Golf Club taking aggressive lines and setting up short approaches But he’s more than just a bomber His short game has been sharp saving pars and keeping momentum alive The combination of power and finesse makes him a complete player His seven birdie streak was a showcase big drives pinpoint irons clutch putts Pot gers’s aggressive style is his greatest weapon He can’t afford to play it safe even with a lead Sticking to his game plan trusting his driver attacking pins will be key Detroit rewards bold play and Poter is built for it If he keeps blending power with precision he’ll be tough to catch His style is thrilling to watch and perfectly suited for Sunday’s challenge Potgeeter is redefining what it means to be a young star on tour Poter’s lead is impressive but the chase pack is stacked Taylor Moore lurks close steady experienced and ready to pounce Chris Kirk a proven winner brings veteran poise and dangerous iron play Ashkay Batia another young gun has the firepower to go low and make a Sunday charge The leaderboard is packed with talent Cameron Young’s power Ricky Fowler’s experience and more Each contender has the skill and motivation to close the gap Potgeeter must focus on his own game but the pressure from behind is real The final round promises drama with every shot magnified The field is deep The stakes are high Poter controls his destiny but the competition won’t back down Sunday will be a test of nerve and execution The race to the finish is wide open Only the bold will survive Colin Morawa is the name that looms largest among potters challengers A two-time major winner Morawa’s iron play is worldclass precise consistent and relentless He’s methodically climbed the leaderboard avoiding mistakes and waiting for his chance Morawa thrives under Sunday pressure He’s been here before and knows how to win His steady approach is the perfect foil to potter’s explosive style If they’re paired in the final group it’s youth versus experience power versus precision Morawa will wait for Potgeer to falter ready to capitalize on any mistake For Potgegeter beating a player of Morakawa’s caliber would be the ultimate validation The dynamic between them could define the final round Golf fans are in for a classic showdown The challenge is immense but so is the opportunity For Poter this is the ultimate test For Morawa it’s another chance to prove he’s one of the games best Sunday on the PGA Tour is a different world Every shot magnified every mistake costly Poter faces the biggest test of his career holding a lead with the world watching The crowds are bigger the cameras closer the pressure intense He must stick to the aggressive game plan that got him here Playing to win not just to avoid mistakes The opening holes will set the tone A strong start could settle nerves and extend his lead but a shaky start could open the door for the Chasers The back nine at Detroit is where tournaments are won and lost Pater will need to execute under the most intense pressure Every drive every putt every decision will matter This is the final gauntlet the ultimate test of skill and nerve If he can handle it a life-changing victory awaits The stakes couldn’t be higher Sunday is where champions are made Sunday’s battle is as much mental as physical Poter’s biggest challenge staying present shot by shot blocking out distractions The temptation to think ahead to trophies to whatifs is real but dangerous He must trust his routine visualize each shot and commit fully Adversity is inevitable A missed putt a bad bounce but resilience is key Poter’s life journey has built mental toughness He’s adapted to change and thrived under pressure He knows how to bounce back from setbacks A champion forgets mistakes and moves forward with confidence His inner strength could be his secret weapon The final round will test his focus and resolve If he stays mentally strong he can weather any storm The mind will decide the champion A win in Detroit would transform potterers career A 2-year PGA Tour exemption job security and entry into golf’s biggest events More than that it’s validation Proof he belongs among the elite The confidence from a win could unlock even greater potential This is the culmination of a journey from South Africa to the world stage The final round is his gateway to stardom The pressure is immense but so is the opportunity Potgeeter has the game and the heart to meet the moment Whether he wins or not he’s announced himself as a force in golf The future starts
