Stay in the moment, says new British Amateur Champ

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - Aldrich Potgieter (17) made history on Saturday, 18 June, by becoming the second youngest person to win the 127th British Amateur Open Golf Championship at Royal Lytham and St Anne's, Lancashire.

This "cool customer" returned to his hometown, Mossel Bay, on Monday, 20 June, and spoke to the Mossel Bay Advertiser on Tuesday, 21 June, at Pinnacle Point about his success and his future.

Potgieter had several interviews with other media this week, but his first media engagement on home turf with the Advertiser exclusively.

Originally from Mpumalanga, the Potgieters settled in Mossel Bay in January 2022, following nine years' residence in Australia.

Aldrich Potgieter with his proud parents, Heinrich and Adele. Photo: Cornelle Carstens

During his interview on Tuesday, Potgieter said he was thrilled to be part of the Louis Oosthuizen Junior Golf Academy.

"I met Louis in December and he is a great person, not only a great golfer. He has given me advice whenever I needed it and cannot wish for a better team behind me."

VIDEO - ‘Stay in the moment’ says 17 year old British Amateur Champ (Video: Cornelle Carstens).

His win at the Amateur Open is his golden ticket to a good future.

"As an amateur this is a great win to bring home. You can't do much better."

Potgieter says he is heading for Scotland in two weeks to compete in The Open at St Andrews.

The smile of a champ. Aldrich Potgieter back home, celebrating his victory.

"At the moment I am trying to get my head around playing with the pros and all the big names like Tiger Woods and Ernie Els. My goal is just to put a good score on the leader board."

As for his winning recipe, Potgieter says that the key is to "stay in the moment".

"Don't think too far ahead. Slow everything down and pace yourself."

He currently trains with coach Val Holland at Fancourt.

His advice to upcoming golfers is: "Keep grinding and practising. Never think you are not good enough. If your mindset is right, you will do well."