Aldrich Potgieter May Have Lost The Nedbank Golf Challenge But He's Definitely Sa's Next Big Thing

For many South African golf fans, watching Aldrich Potgieter come agonisingly close to winning the Nedbank Golf Challenge on Sunday, would have been their first up-close glimpse of the young professional.

Potgieter held a three-shot lead after 10 holes in the final round, but a triple bogey six at the par three erased that advantage. Two more bogeys in his final three holes saw the 20-year-old miss out on forcing a playoff by one shot. American Johannes Veerman triumphed on five-under.

It was a deflating end to the tournament for Potgieter, after he had also begun the final round three ahead.

It was also Potgieters debut appearance in the NGC, and playing in front of such vocal support was something new for him.

'Playing in front of a home crowd, I have never played a round like this in front of a big crowd before and its been huge. Ive been in this position a few times with a few people watching, but to be at home, it is very good, said Potgieter.