At the Final Stage of PGA TOUR Q-School, presented by Korn Ferry, on Saturday, Aldrich Potgieter continued to develop and integrate into the professional golf scene. During his third round at Sawgrass Country Club, Potgieter shot 1-under 69, nine shots better than his opening round 78 on the same course, with 4 birdies against 3 bogeys.
Potgieter, who placed first in the Second Stage of Q-School, is currently seven strokes off the cut line needed to earn a spot on the PGA TOUR (top five and ties), sitting at T54 at even par.
The 19-year-old returned to the track that had defeated him on Thursday, seeking retribution but acting far older than his years in both demeanor and approach.
Potgieter showed resilience on Friday by shooting a 63 at TPC Sawgrass’ Dye’s Valley Course, one stroke shy of the course record, despite starting the Final Stage with an 8-over round on Sawgrass Country Club.
Potgieter showed resilience on Friday by shooting a 63 at TPC Sawgrass’ Dye’s Valley Course, one stroke shy of the course record, despite starting the Final Stage with an 8-over round on Sawgrass Country Club.
After his round, Potgieter told PGATOUR.COM, “I started off pretty well. I had the momentum and was driving it really well, but I was unable to bring it near. I simply kept missing 25-foot putts that I kept making.”
The ball travels as fast as promised even in this brief game. Potgieter led playing partners Keenan Huskey and Josh Creel by 40 to 50 yards on Saturday, leaving himself with flip wedges into the majority of the par-4 holes. On the seventh hole, which is 419 yards long, he drove the ball 350 yards into the air. Potgieter then made birdie with a straightforward throw pitch to the green.
Usually, a person with so much power would try to pull drivers whenever possible. Potgieter has a somewhat unique approach.
“On the first hole, I hit a driver and came dangerously close. I left myself a bizarre, sandy lie,” he remarked.
Before the competition, Potgieter went to the Titleist equipment van in search of a 2-iron to add to his bag in order to handle the 30 mph winds that were blowing across Ponte Vedra Beach. Over the course of the weekend in northeastern Florida, the 2-iron flashed with largely favorable outcomes. A shot that was overcut on Saturday’s par-5 fourth hole found the trees and had to be chipped back into the fairway, resulting in an untimely bogey.
“Yes, I would definitely drive it through the fairway if I took the driver there. I choose to retreat, not to pursue the green in any case. I simply left the clubface slightly open and tried to play the iron up into the wind.” he said.
Teenagers who hit the cover off the ball are often found in the golfing world. Just take a look at Charlie Woods, 14, as he drives over greens at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club during the PNC Championship. Potgieter’s mentality is what sets him apart from the other Young Bombers Anonymous members.
The teenager was asked if he gets anxious playing for a PGA TOUR card among the best in the world under such pressure after his round. “Not really,” was his straightforward response.
With his victory at the 2022 Amateur Championship, Potgieter earned exemptions to play in the Masters and U.S. Open this year as well as the 2022 Open Championship. Potgieter has already participated in three major tournaments. This year, he also participated in the Rocket Mortgage Classic on the PGA TOUR and the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday.
“I am aware of how good my game is. Of course, it also helps tremendously that the Korn Ferry Tour starters are reserved. I have no idea where I am on the scoreboard. I only know that I might be able to make the top five if I can submit a low one tomorrow.” stated Potgieter.
Potgieter is currently seven strokes off the cut line that would guarantee him a spot on the Tour. Notably, he will make a second visit to Dye’s Valley on Sunday after shooting 7-under on Friday.
