Aldrich Potgieter, the rising South African golf sensation, captured the spotlight with a stunning 10-under 61 during the second round of the Mexico Open, establishing a new course record. This extraordinary performance has granted him a commanding four-shot lead as he heads into the weekend. Known for his powerful drives, Potgieter impressed fans and fellow competitors alike by sending seven of his drives soaring 325 yards or more.
Potgieter, who made history last year as the youngest player to win on the Korn Ferry Tour, is no stranger to setting records. At just 17 years old, he claimed victory at the 2022 British Amateur. His remarkable round included six birdies across his last ten holes and an impressive display of putting, holing seven putts from 10 feet or longer. Despite finding water off the tee on the 10th hole, he managed to chip in for par, showcasing his resilience and skill.
The 661-yard 12th hole proved no match for Potgieter's prowess, as he reached it in two strokes by hitting a driver off the fairway to just over 20 feet. In contrast to Potgieter's ascendant day, Antoine Rozner faced a tense moment as he required a birdie on his final hole to adjust the cut line, ultimately impacting 12 players. As a result, 77 players made the cut at 3-under 138.
Among those navigating the cut line drama was Justin Hastings from the Cayman Islands, who finished strong by birdieing three of his last four holes for a score of 67, placing him at 136. Meanwhile, U.S. Amateur champion Jose Luis Ballester maintained steady form with another round of 69, securing his spot at 138.
Stephan Jaeger and Brian Campbell find themselves four shots adrift of Potgieter. Jaeger carded a round of 69, while Campbell posted an impressive 65. Reflecting on his performance and the course conditions, Jaeger noted,
"It's one of those golf courses I feel like if you hit it nicely and you give yourself a lot of chances, the greens are so good it's nice to make some putts."
Potgieter also shared his affinity for the course, expressing,
"I love the golf course. It definitely suits my game, I think, in a lot of aspects."
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