Aldrich Potgieter set a new 54-hole scoring record of 20-under 193 at the Mexico Open at VidantaWorld after carding a third-round 4-under 67. The previous record of 194 was set by Tony Finau in 2023 and Jake Knapp in 2024.
“Besides the last two holes, it was really good. Brian was having a great round so I tried to just stay a little bit ahead of him. It was good. All three of us played pretty decent golf. It got a little tough throughout the day with the wind a little bit, some pin placements were a little bit more tough so didn’t make as many putts today, but we’ll save it for tomorrow,” said Potgieter.
“[At the 18th] That bunker shot out of that, what can I call that, that rock hard sand, it’s kind of hit or miss with that sometimes. I was just trying to hit it 10-foot past the hole, but obviously being so firm it was probably going to go back anyway. And I couldn’t hit a bump and run. I was looking at it, but there was two sprinkler heads right in my line. It was unfortunate to be in that spot, but it was OK.”
Potgieter’s 193 marks his lowest 54-hole total in his tenth start on Tour. The PGA Tour rookie from South Africa also holds the 54-hole lead/co-lead for the first time on Tour having also taken his first 36-hole lead/co-lead on Friday.
He ranks first in driving distance (all drives) both this season and this week (326.1) and leads the field in birdies (23), Strokes Gained: Putting (8.128).
At 20 years, 5 months and 10 days, Potgieter would become the sixth youngest winner on Tour since the start of the 1983 season. The youngest was Jordan Spieth at the 2013 John Deere Classic at the age 19 years, 11 months and 17 days.
He would also become the youngest South African winner on Tour (Garrick Higgo/2021 Palmetto Championship at Congaree/22 years, 1 month, 1 day).
American Brian Campbell, playing in his 28th start on Tour, matched the round of the day with a bogey-free 64 to stay in second place at 19-under.
Germany’s Stephan Jaeger signed for a 66 and lies in third place at 17-under followed in fourth at 15-under by American Alex Smalley who also carded a bogey-free 64.
