Drive for Show and Pat for Dow are one of the more popular sayings within the Golf Lexicon, and fortunately, for the Aldrich Podge Heter, he can do both.
The 20-year-old South African fired a 10-under 61 at the Mexican Open on Friday, relying on a dangerous combination. He is one of the longest hitters on the PGA Tour and is currently ranked first in distance driving between open fields in Mexico, averaging 324.5 yards to 324.5 yards from the tee. He somehow drove Two 661 yards 12th holeincluding him hitting the driver off the deck and making this huge par 5 walk around the park.
Then, when he reached the putting surface, he took advantage of his opportunity. He has earned nearly seven strokes for the Greens through 36 holes, ranking above everyone else in that category. He created a putt worth 113 feet in the second round on Friday.
“There were flat sticks at work,” Podgiator said.
His short game is working well overall. In addition to his putting ability, he was 3-3 on Friday's scramble and his save on par-4 hole 10 wasn't that good.
South Africa suffocated the drive into the water running down the right side of the fairway. He then had to drop for the third shot, so he left the flag with 201 yards remaining. The Podgiator then flipped the iron towards the green and settled down about 20 feet away, entering the roughest from the pin. He then left the bogeyless round rounds intact.
This impressive par came after he shot a 29 at the front nine. This included five consecutive birdies on the final five holes.
“I like looking at the scoreboard. I think it keeps me on top,” Podgiator said.
“I knew then five birdies stretch in a row and the 10th hole is a really difficult hole to the wind, it really gets tight with the water on the right and then I'd have to reset and start over after nine times. I still hit the water, but I was still in the zone enough to save par and maintain momentum going forward. Give every hole a 10-15-foot putt and try to make a birdie. I'm doing it.”
Potgieter made four more birdies in the back nine, totaling 10 for the day, retaining the advantage of four shots over Stephan Jaeger. If that lead remains in place until the end of the second round, Potgieter will earn the largest 36-hole lead on the PGA Tour this season. His 127 score on 36 holes is the lowest of any player at midpoints so far.
“I love the golf course. I think it definitely suits my game, I've seen in a lot of ways,” Potgieter added.
“I think it should be pretty good if I can keep it in place.”
If he continues putting like this, no one will stop him. Between that and his otherworldly length, Poggiator appears unstoppable in Vidanta.
Jack Mirco is a golf staff writer who plays SB Nation. Follow him with x @jack_milko.
