Collin Morikawa got an up close and personal look at Aldrich Potgieter at The Rocket Classic and it’s safe to say the South African has left an impression on the American star.
Morikawa has got himself into contention in Detroit and is four back of Potgieter, who is looking to secure a first PGA Tour victory.
There has been plenty of noise around Potgieter since he burst onto the scene and his long hitting and exceptional iron play is very eye-catching.
The 20-year-old already has five top ten finishes in his 45 event career and would have won The Mexico Open had it not been for Brian Campbell beating him to the punch in a playoff.
Nevertheless, Potgieter looks in pole position to win this one in Detroit and speaking about the youngster, Collin Morikawa has had his say.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesCollin Morikawa gives verdict on Aldrich Potgieter
Golfers always enjoy the new kid on the block arriving on the PGA Tour and Potgieter is very much that new kid on the block.
Morikawa, of course, is seeking his first win in two years as well and at four back, he’ll know he’s well in the tournament.
But with Potgieter leading and Morikawa getting to see him up close for the first time, the American was asked for his opinion on the South African.
“I’ve never seen it in person, I just see the numbers that he produces. He hits it very, very far. Look, I hope I’m within a handful tomorrow,” Morikawa admitted.
“On this course I think the winds go back to what we saw the first two days, par 5s get a little more gettable for me and hopefully we can just kind of get off to a nice start tomorrow and put a little pressure on them.”
Potgieter is going to be box office for years
Some golfers just look to have that ‘X Factor’ and Aldrich Potgieter definitely looks like he is one of those players.
His distance off the tee is quite incredible and he’s very much part of a new generation of golfers who put so much emphasis on gym work and getting as much ball and club head speed as possible.
At just 20 and already being in contention in big events, it does feel like Potgieter is destined to have a huge career.
Just like Bryson DeChambeau, he has that box office element to his game in terms of distance and that will stand him in good stead.
As Morikawa hints at here, seeing it up close is very impressive and Potgieter is one to watch for years to come.