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Who is Aldrich Potgieter? Meet the Tour's longest driver at top of PGA Championship leaderboard originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Aldrich Potgieter was one of the first players to tee off on the PGA Tour, and that may have helped the young golfer get off to a strong start.
Potgieter shot a three-under 67 on Thursday morning, making him one of several players tied for the lead at the second major of the year. The 21-year-old is already a character on the PGA Tour due to his incredible driver, but he hasn't been able to translate that to majors just yet.
That could change this week as Potgieter makes his first-ever start at the PGA Championship. If he can hang around during the weekend, Potgieter has a chance to put on a show at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania.
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Who is Aldrich Potgieter?
Aldrich Potgieter is a 21-year-old professional golfer who is known for his long-drive ability. Potgieter is the longest driver on the PGA Tour and is able to succeed thanks to his power on the golf course.
Potgieter became the second-youngest player to shoot a 67 or better in the opening round at the PGA Championship. Already, Potgieter is in position to produce his best finish ever at a major in six total appearances.
Potgieter began his professional career on the Korn Ferry Tour, and at 19 he was the youngest player ever to win a Korn Ferry event when he took home the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic in 2024. Then, Potgieter won his first PGA Tour event in 2025 at the Rocket Classic.
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Where is Aldrich Potgieter from?
Potgieter is originally from Pretoria, South Africa, but he moved to Perth, Australia when he was eight years-old. At 17, he returned to South Africa to continue his development as a golfer in his home country.
Aldrich Potgieter driving distance
Potgieter drives the ball an average of 326.9 yards off the tee, which makes him the longest driver on the PGA Tour. his average distance is over three yards longer than Gary Woodland and Rory McIlroy, who sit at second and third on the list.
In fact, the difference between Potgieter and Woodland for first and second on the list is more than the difference between Woodland at No. 2 and Chris Gotterup at No. 5.
Aldrich Potgieter major history
Potgieter has appeared in five majors before the 2026 PGA Championship, with difficult results. He missed the cut at four of those events—twice at the Masters and twice at the British Open—with his best finish being a tie for 64th at the 2023 U.S. Open.
The 2026 PGA Championship is Potgieter's first appearance at the tournament.
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Aldrich Potgieter OWGR
Potgieter is ranked No. 75 in the world according to the Official World Golf Ranking, putting him in the same range as players like Wyndham Clark and Sahith Theegala. His highest ever ranking was at 49, which he held after his Rocket Classic win.
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