GRANITEVILLE S.C. – The beauty of Sage Valley Golf Club will disarm you as soon as you step foot on its property.
Then you can take your first swing.
The course was a perfect test of talent, and the top junior players around the world were not disappointed by the results.
But not for everyone.
Aldrich Potgieter took his round under control and put his windows down. He shot a 7-under 65, bogey-free round. The South African made birdies on four of his first holes and added three more on Nos. To take a six shot lead into Friday’s second round, the South African made birdies on Nos. 6, 11, and 15. T-2 are Bryan Kim, Eric Lee and William Jennings. Preston Stout is T-2 at 1 over
Potgieter said, “I hit most fairways, but was unlucky on hole 16, it ran through the fairway on the left side and entered a divot so didn’t really have a chance for birdie there. But yeah, solid.” “I almost missed the chip on 17 and it was a good hole on 16. So that was great. Tomorrow is looking good.
The 18-year old is also looking forward 20 miles to Augusta National Golf Club in the next few weeks. Potgieter, the British Amateur champion, was granted exemptions to the 150 th Open at St. Andrews and the Masters this year.
He said, “(The Open), just gave me so many experience and I’m looking ahead to the Masters now coming up.” “I am trying to use this week for Augusta preparations. Both have quick greens and this course is so great.”
Aldrich Potgieter of South Africa launches the golf ball. Keep the name in mind.
He won the 2022 Open Amateur Championship to qualify him for the 2022 Open St. Andrews. He will be playing in the Masters in a few days. pic.twitter.com/SHWf6H9yDV
— Adam Woodard (@AdamWoodard March 16, 2023
Potgieter has yet not made his first Magnolia Lane trip, but he did get the advice of Tom Kim, a two-time PGA Tour winner who played Augusta National before making an appearance at Wednesday’s Nike Night at The Junior Invitational.
“The Masters is the most important tournament that I grew-up watching on TV. Potgieter explained, “Seeing Tiger’s chip in is amazing. I watch it five times a years on YouTube.” “To play (the Masters), at such a young age, is simply unbelievable.”
Talking of girls, Anna Davis, the 2022 Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion, leads the way with a score of 2-under 70 on Thursday. After two bogeys on her first three holes, Davis struggled to get started but she found her groove with four birdies after Nos. 6-10 to lead by two shots going into Friday. Andrea Revuelta and Nika Ito are T-2 at even Par.
“I was hitting it close most of the day. Davis said that she had a rough start on the front nine. But, she was able to bring it back. “It was just hitting every fairway and hitting every green. It’s all good, though.”
The now-16-year old Spring Valley, California girl was an underdog at the ANWA. She’s now the favorite at every tournament she plays.
“I have gotten used to it. I know people know my name, they know my face. Davis said that people will put pressure on you because you expect to win these tournaments. But, I don’t let that get to my head.” Davis said, “All these girls are great players. Everybody has a chance of winning. Although the attention can be nice at times, I believe I am fine with it.”
