Aldrich Potgieter has quickly become a standout on the PGA TOUR, known for his extraordinary driving distance power. At just 20 years old, the South African rookie leads the TOUR with an average drive length of over 326 yards, surpassing established long hitters such as Rory McIlroy by six yards. His ability to consistently hit drives above 300 yards is a reflection of his unique athletic background, which sets him apart from his peers.
Potgieter’s driving prowess is not only a product of natural talent but also of rigorous training rooted in his early sports experiences. His remarkable power stems largely from skills and physical conditioning developed through wrestling, a sport that he practiced extensively during his youth, alongside rugby.
Wrestling: The Foundation of Unrivaled Strength and Torque
Unlike many professionals who played multiple sports, Potgieter’s combination of rugby and wrestling formed the foundation for his explosive golf power. His swing coach, Justin Parsons, emphasizes how Potgieter’s wrestling background contributes to his ability to generate torque and maintain a solid base during his swing. Parsons explains,
“His base and his ability to wind his body up is incredible,”
adding,
“And his ability to generate torque comes from wrestling.”
Potgieter’s family moved from Middelburg, South Africa, to Perth, Australia, when he was eight years old, a move that coincided with his start in wrestling. Encouraged by his father, a former rugby player sidelined by injuries, Potgieter began wrestling at a young age. His athleticism quickly became evident as he earned a national wrestling championship at age 11 in his weight class, a success he credits to his hand-eye coordination and early devotion to rugby, both of which helped him master the physicality and conditioning that wrestling demands.
Even after quitting competitive wrestling at 14 to focus on golf, Potgieter maintained his wrestling-inspired workouts. Core strength, squats, and bench presses remained part of his regimen, contributing directly to the muscle groups essential for generating longer golf shots. He notes,
“In wrestling, you’re sitting in that squatted position, you have to stay in there for three or four minutes while the other guy is grabbing you and trying to get you to the floor. Everything is just core and lower body,”
adding,
“You’re in that position all the time, and the same when you’re driving, making a topswing and when you’re hitting the ball, you’re sitting in that position, bending down, using all your muscles, using everything. That built the right things in my body to swing it hard.”
From Amateur Success to Professional Record-Setting Drives
Potgieter’s physical capabilities translated into immediate success on the golf course. After moving back to South Africa at 17, his most significant breakthrough came at the 2022 Amateur Championship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club, where he became the second-youngest winner in the event’s history. This victory was among several amateur titles, including the 2021 Amateur Championships of Western Australia, the 2022 South African Boys U19 Championship, the 2023 African Amateur Championship, and the 2023 Junior Invitational at Sage Valley, establishing him as an elite amateur competitor.
Turning professional, Potgieter set more records on the Korn Ferry Tour. At 19, he won the 2024 Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club, becoming the youngest winner in Korn Ferry Tour history, surpassing Jason Day’s previous record. He followed that by graduating to the PGA TOUR as the second-youngest player ever to do so, at just 20 years and 23 days old.
Throughout his transitions, Potgieter’s driving distance remained a consistent advantage. He led the Korn Ferry Tour in this category last year and arrived on the PGA TOUR with commanding numbers. Potgieter’s average of 326 yards per drive is 26 yards longer than the TOUR average, frequently leaving him with shorter approach shots. Data shows that over 85% of his drives exceed 300 yards, and more than 55% go beyond 320 yards, with a carry distance averaging 314 yards. He ranks not only first in driving distance but also fifth in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee.
The Challenges Potgieter Faces Beyond Raw Power
While Potgieter’s power off the tee is undeniable, his overall game continues to develop. His rookie season has had ups and downs, including a playoff loss to Brian Campbell at the Mexico Open and missing seven cuts. He has struggled with approach shots, ranking 141st in Strokes Gained: Approach, an area that Parsons describes as showing “a certain amount of rawness.”
The extreme clubhead speed that fuels Potgieter’s drives also presents challenges with club gapping, causing large yardage differences between clubs. For example, his 7-iron can travel 200 yards, while his 8-iron goes 181 yards, creating difficulties in selecting the best club for certain distances.
Parsons acknowledges these growing pains but remains confident in Potgieter’s talents:
“He’s an unbelievably talented player, but there’s a certain amount of rawness.”
Potgieter’s schedule, which involves learning new courses almost every week, fuels a difficult adjustment period, but recent results hint at progress. His T6 finish at the Charles Schwab Challenge and current 73rd ranking in the FedExCup place him within striking distance of the playoffs, showcasing his potential to compete at the highest level.
What Lies Ahead for Potgieter on the PGA TOUR
Aldrich Potgieter’s formidable combination of athleticism, power, and youth points to a bright future in professional golf. His wrestling foundation has provided a physical edge that is rare on the PGA TOUR, giving him unmatched length off the tee that has already shifted the standard for driving distance power. As he gains experience and hones his approach game and course management, Potgieter’s all-around skills are expected to improve.
Justin Parsons emphasizes the long-term prospects:
“With that base and his ability to generate torque, he’s going to be one of the longest players on TOUR for a long time.”
Potgieter’s mix of raw talent and physical strength makes him an exciting player to watch, with the potential to influence how the next generation of golfers train and compete.