The Rocket Classic

The PGA Tour was Michigan-bound last week with the annual Rocket Classic taking place at the venerable Detroit Golf Club. Aldrich Potgieter, the youngest player on the PGA Tour came away with his maiden victory come the Sunday.

Potgieter kicked off the tournament in style by carding a 62 on the Thursday that included 8 birdies and an eagle. American Kevin Roy put in a similar stunning effort and they shared the lead going into the second day. By the end of the Saturday, Potgieter had a 2-shot lead with plenty of competition biting at his heels.

A 3-under-par final round wasn’t quite enough to escape the field, and when all was said and done, both Chris Kirk and Max Greyserman had finished alongside him on 22-under-par. A three-way playoff proceeded with Kirk being knocked out on the second hole having made a bogey.

Both Potgieter and Greyserman matched each other playing the 16^th and 14^th holes again by going par, birdie. But on the playoff’s fifth hole, the South African sized up an 18-foot putt and knocked home an incredible birdie that secured him victory over Greyserman.

The crowd gave a rapturous response as Potgieter cheered and embraced his caddie. He was understandably thrilled to have come out on top following a high-stakes playoff “Going into the playoff, they picked some good holes that suited my game, but I’m just happy to get through that playoff. I’d like to thank everyone in South Africa, for staying up so late, as well as my friends and family.”

This century so far, there has been just one teen winner on the PGA Tour; Jordan Spieth was 19 when he won the John Deer Classic in 2013. Potgieter joins an elite handful of 20-year-old winners that includes the likes of Tom Kim and Tiger Woods.

Boasting a very impressive start to his career, Potgieter also happens to be the current longest driver on the PGA Tour. His driving average is 327 yards with Rory McIlroy and Niklas Norgaard landing shortly behind him on 320 and 319. One thing’s for certain; Aldrich Potgieter is a strong contender for many more future successes.

We hope you’re having a lovely start to your summer so far. If you’re looking to tune up a specific section of your game, we’re available in the pro shop to get you some lessons booked in.