Aldrich Potgieter

Three years ago Aldrich Potgieter became the second youngest-ever winner of The Amateur Championship at the age of 17.

That was at Royal Lytham and St Annes and the victory not only gave him an Open spot at St Andrews, but also the chance to play in the following year’s Masters and US Open.

He returns to The Open now as a PGA Tour winner and also the biggest hitter on the circuit. His average this season of nearly 330 yards almost eight yards longer than second-placed Rory McIlroy.

Potgieter’s victory came on June 29 at the Rocket Classic, where he began with a 10 under par 62 and with an 18-foot birdie putt beat Max Greyserman at the fourth hole of a play-off which initially also involved Chris Kirk.

Not 21 until September, the South African leapt from 123rd in the world to 49th, opening the door to him being given a place at Royal Portrush off the world rankings a week later. It also took him into the top 20 of the FedEx Cup standings – just ahead of Ludvig Aberg, Collin Morikawa and Shane Lowry.

It was so nearly his second title – in February he lost a play-off for the Mexico Open to Brian Campbell.