This week’s Mexico Open is a golden chance for lesser-known PGA Tour players to earn some much-needed FedEx Cup points.
With pretty much all the big-name players taking time off, a first-time winner is a very real possibility. However, the event at Vidanta Vallarta is taking place against the backdrop of news regarding the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
President Donald Trump’s involvement appears to have fast-tracked the protracted merger negotiations, and there’s even a possibility of LIV golfers playing next month’s Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.
The prospect of LIV Golf players returning means this week’s event could have added significance. Those players outside the FedEx Cup top 70 could be impacted most, and NBC’s Damon Hack claimed several golfers at the Mexico Open are stressed and anxious about recent developments.
So, whoever wins this weekend will safeguard their tour future ahead of what could be a season of change. One player doing all the right things is South African rookie Aldrich Potgieter.
Aldrich Potgieter: The PGA Tour’s biggest hitter
Potgieter is currently leading the Mexico Open after shooting 61 (ten under) during the second round. The South African is 16 under and four shots clear of German Stephan Jaeger.
For those who haven’t seen Potgieter hit a golf ball, the 20-year-old is undoubtedly one-of-a-kind.
Potgieter is currently the longest hitter on the PGA Tour and has a driving average (328) two yards greater than Rory McIlroy. What’s more, the South African is using his distance to his advantage; he currently ranks second for strokes gained off the tee.
The 20-year-old reached ball speeds of 190mph during day two, and there’s no doubt he’s the man to watch as the tournament progresses.
Golf fans react to Aldrich Potgieter’s shot on the 12th hole at the Mexico Open
The highlight of Potgieter’s round came on the par-five 12th hole. Measuring 661 yards, getting home in two was pretty much impossible for the whole of the field, but not Potgieter.
After hitting a 331-yard tee shot, the 20-year-old hit a 323-yard driver off the deck to set up a birdie and golf fans watching on at home were seriously impressed.
“323-yard DOD 189mph balls speed. Ridiculous,” this fan wrote. Another added: “Pure bombs.”
Popular golfing account Flushing It said: “20-year-old Aldrich Potgieter shoots a 10 under 61 to currently hold a 4 shot lead at the Mexico Open. He reached a 661 yard par 5 in 2 shots earlier, but despite his immense power, he also leads in strokes gained putting. That’s a dangerous combination!”
Potgieter’s 61 makes him only the fourth player in the last 40 years to shoot the number on the PGA Tour before turning 21. Speaking after his round, the South African was pleased with his effort.
“Yeah, started off really good with five birdies in a row on the front nine and that helped a lot to get momentum,” he said.
“Made a really good chip-in for par on 10 to keep the momentum going. I knew on the back nine there was a couple of par fives, three par-fives that I still had available to me, just tried to birdie those three and come up with a good score. Yeah, made some bonus birdies and didn’t birdie the par 5s, which were unfortunate. Yeah, really happy with today.”
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