Potgieter, 20-year-old rookie, conquers his first PGA Tour title

Potgieter Wins Rocket Classic After Epic Tiebreaker

Aldrich Potgieter was crowned champion of the Rocket Classic after an exciting playoff that extended over five holes. The young golfer defeated Max Greyserman with a birdie on the fifth playoff hole, thus securing his first title on the PGA Tour.

I finally managed to get one in the hole.

Aldrich Potgieter

Potgieter’s celebration was emotional, embracing his caddie and greeting Greyserman and his caddie, before melting into a hug with his father, Heinrich. At 20 years old, Potgieter is the youngest player on the circuit and one of the most powerful, averaging over 326 yards off the tee. This victory makes him the ninth player to win for the first time this season. Born in South Africa, Potgieter moved to Australia at the age of 8 and returned to South Africa at 17 due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, which limited his opportunities to compete.

We had to give up a lot, move to Australia, come back.

Aldrich Potgieter

Potgieter won the British Amateur at 17 and became the youngest winner of the Korn Ferry Tour last year, which allowed him to get his PGA Tour card at 20, being the second youngest player to achieve it through the minor league, only surpassed by Jason Day. Chris Kirk was eliminated from the playoff after missing a 4-foot putt on the second extra hole. Both Greyserman and Potgieter had opportunities to win on the 72nd hole at Detroit Golf Club, but they failed to convert their birdie chances to break the tie with Kirk.

This is going to hurt a little.

Max Greyserman

Potgieter, who began the round with a two-stroke lead, closed with a 69 under par, while Greyserman and Kirk recorded 67. Greyserman missed a 12-foot putt and Potgieter came up short on a 42-foot uphill putt. Kirk had a chance to win, but couldn’t capitalize, extending the playoff. The tension continued on the 15th hole, where Greyserman was the only one to hit from the tee, but failed to capitalize. The dynamic persisted on the 16th hole, with Greyserman and Potgieter missing 16-foot putts with chances of victory. In the 14th hole, Greyserman achieved a 361-yard drive, but Potgieter responded. Greyserman made two putts for birdie. In the second attempt on the 15th hole during the playoff, Greyserman made two putts from 34 feet, and Potgieter finally sealed the victory.

It just wasn’t my time.

Max Greyserman

Michael Thorbjornsen and Jake Knapp finished one stroke off the playoff.