Aldrich Potgieter: Rising Star of PGA TOUR with Unique Wrestling Background

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – Aldrich Potgieter, a 20-year-old golfer from South Africa, is making waves on the PGA TOUR with his impressive driving distance. This rookie has captured attention with his remarkable ability to launch the ball over 326 yards on average per drive, surpassing established players like Rory McIlroy.

Potgieter’s journey began in Perth, Australia, where he transitioned from rugby to wrestling at age eight. His father, a former rugby player, encouraged him to take up the sport after facing injuries that ended his own athletic career. Potgieter excelled in wrestling, winning a national championship by age 11, attributing his early success to his innate hand-eye coordination.

His unique athletic background, particularly his wrestling experience, is credited for his impressive driving distance. Swing coach Justin Parsons noted, “His base and his ability to wind his body up is incredible. And his ability to generate torque comes from wrestling.” Potgieter incorporated wrestling workouts into his training even after he shifted focus to golf at age 14.

In addition to his physical prowess, the young golfer has enjoyed a commendable amateur career. He won prestigious events such as The Amateur Championship in 2022, becoming the second-youngest champion. His transition to the Korn Ferry Tour was equally successful, as he became the second-youngest player to earn a PGA TOUR card.

Potgieter’s distance advantage has already set him apart on the PGA TOUR, where he leads in driving distance, with more than 85% of his measured drives exceeding 300 yards. Critics, however, point out that his approach play needs improvement. He currently ranks 141st in Strokes Gained: Approach this season.

Despite sporadic performances, including seven missed cuts, Potgieter’s recent T6 finish at the Charles Schwab Challenge hints at his potential growth on the tour. He stands 73rd in the FedExCup rankings, showing promise as he continues to adapt to the demands of professional golf. “With his ability to generate torque, he’s going to be one of the longest players on TOUR for a long time,” Parsons added.