At Detroit Golf Club on Sunday, 20-year-old Aldrich Potgieter secured his first PGA Tour victory by winning an intense playoff at the Rocket Classic. He sealed the win by sinking an 18-foot birdie on the fifth playoff hole, narrowly surpassing Max Greyserman and veteran Chris Kirk in a thrilling finish, marking a defining moment in his young career.
Potgieter’s remarkable performance, which began with a course-record 10-under 62, saw him lead at both the 18- and 54-hole marks. Finishing the regulation rounds tied at 22-under-par, he forced a playoff that tested his endurance and mental strength before delivering the winning shot.
Setting the Stage with Record-Breaking Rounds
Thursday’s opening round saw Potgieter blaze a trail with a 10-under 62, briefly holding the course record at Detroit Golf Club. Although Jake Knapp later set an 11-under record with a 61, Potgieter’s initial round established him as the tournament frontrunner. Following solid weekend rounds of 70 and 65, he entered a three-man playoff alongside Greyserman and Kirk, all tied at 22 under.
Throughout the final round, Potgieter and his caddie, Rance De Grussa, managed the mounting pressure expertly. Despite surges by Kirk and Greyserman, Potgieter responded with clutch birdies on holes 7, 8, 13, and 14 to erase deficits and maintain contention, proving his resilience under pressure.
The start didn’t go my way, I struggled to make putts, left a lot short. Finally got one to the hole, and I just saw the ball roll end over end and I knew it was going to go in.
—Aldrich Potgieter
The playoff itself was a grueling test. Chris Kirk was eliminated on the second playoff hole following a crucial bogey, while Max Greyserman held firm until the fifth hole. There, Potgieter calmly drained the decisive 18-foot putt to clinch the title, echoing the composure he showed during his amateur triumphs but elevated on the PGA Tour stage.
Tracing Aldrich Potgieter’s Journey in Golf
Aldrich Potgieter was born on September 13, 2004, in Pretoria, South Africa and began his golfing journey at the Louis Oosthuizen Junior Golf Academy. His family’s move to Perth, Australia, when he was eight broadened his experience, allowing him to play full rounds by age twelve and claim his early amateur titles.
By 2022, Potgieter had notched significant amateur victories including the Western Australian Amateur and the prestigious The Amateur Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes, where he became the second-youngest winner in its 127-year history. His junior slate also featured wins at the 2020 South Australian Junior Masters and the 2021 Western Australian Amateur.
His rise continued as he joined the 2023 PGA Tour, following a successful stint on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he became the youngest winner at 19 years and 133 days old. Interestingly, Potgieter’s first PGA Tour appearance was also at the Rocket Classic two years ago, where he missed the cut. Returning this year to the same event, he claimed his breakthrough win, highlighting rapid growth and determination.
Emerging as a Record-Breaking Young Talent
At 20, Potgieter now holds the distinction of being the youngest South African to win on the PGA Tour and joins elite company among international winners under 21, such as Tom Kim and Rory McIlroy. His tactical gameplay, mental toughness, and impressive shot-making highlight his prodigious talent.
We had to give up a lot, moving to Australia, moving back,
he said.
Emigrating is definitely not the easiest thing. Coming alone at the start of my career to the States and giving it a grind, and having my dad here has helped so much.
—Aldrich Potgieter
This victory grants Potgieter full PGA Tour status for two seasons, propels him to No. 36 in the FedEx Cup standings, and earns him invitations to major championships including the 2026 Masters and PGA Championship. If he finishes within the top 50, he could participate in all eight signature events, reshaping his competitive outlook significantly.
I’m just happy to walk away as a winner,
he stated, reflecting on his breakthrough.
The Rocket Classic triumph showcased a blend of immense driving distance—averaging over 326 yards off the tee—with sharp course management and unshakable composure. Potgieter earned over $1.7 million from the $9.6 million purse, emphasizing the win’s financial and career impact.
Equipment and Techniques Behind the Victory
Beyond his putting prowess, Potgieter’s gear played a crucial role in his success. During the tournament, he used a Titleist GT2 driver set at 9 degrees, equipped with a Fujikura Ventus Black 8X shaft, which helped him average over 337 yards on drives, keeping him ahead of the competition and offering numerous birdie opportunities on Detroit’s scoring-friendly layout.
His iron set included a tailored mix of Titleist’s new 2025 T100, T150, and T250 models, delivering consistent distance and control. This versatile combination allowed him to aggressively attack pins while ranking third in greens in regulation for the week.
For his short game, he trusted Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges at 46, 50, and 54 degrees, complemented by a WedgeWorks 60-degree wedge for delicate shots around the green, including flops and bunker escapes. On the greens, Potgieter relied on a prototype Scotty Cameron 009M blade putter, which he credited for his steady stroke under pressure, noting he avoided three-putts throughout the event. He completed his setup with a prototype Titleist Pro V1x+ ball designed for high speed and consistent flight, matching his aggressive yet controlled style.
We needed some more spin to keep the ball in the air a little bit,
Potgieter explained.
You wouldn’t have thought that with the driving distance to add more spin, but it kind of keeps the ball in the air a little bit longer.
—Aldrich Potgieter
Potgieter’s victory at the Rocket Classic not only marks a historic milestone for his career but also signals the arrival of a promising new force in professional golf. His ability to deliver under pressure, combined with his growing experience and refined skill set, suggests a bright future on the PGA Tour and beyond.