The trait that helps the longest hitter on the PGA Tour also hinders him. Here’s why.

There aren’t many golfers on the planet who can match everything up in their game.

Even the very best in the world – see Scottie Scheffler and his putting – will often have one part of their game that isn’t quite up to the same standard as the rest of their golf.

Aldrich Potgieter, an emerging talent on the PGA Tour, might be the perfect example of this.

The South African phenom very nearly picked up his first PGA Tour win at the Mexico Open. It certainly wasn’t a lack of distance that was hindering him either.

Averaging 326 yards off the tee, the same distance as Rory McIlroy, is clearly a weapon for the 20-year-old. But, a trait that helps with his distance also hinders him around the greens.

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That’s according to PGA Tour Live commentator Steve Scott, who took to X to point out where Potgieter’s game faltered in the final round at VidantaWorld.

“The strong grip that helps him on the full swing hurts him on the short game like it has hurt many in golf history,” said Scott.

“Like Viktor Hovland and Dustin Johnson to name a few. The strong grip closes to the face which de-lofts the club which makes the ball come out low and hot.”

Indeed, Potgieter’s chipping did let him down, after being in control of the tournament. Scott’s example from the fourth hole, along with another from the eighth, shows the South African struggle to control what should be straightforward chip shots.

When you look at Potgieter’s hands, particularly with a full shot, you’ll see that he’s got a strong left hand grip. Basically, his knuckles are a long way over the top of the grip, which helps to keep the clubface closed through impact.

That might add distance on long shots, but it sacrifices control on shorter ones.

The long hitting South African Aldrich Potgieter will soon, just not today. This is what foiled his bid…

The strong grip that helps him on the full swing hurts him on the short game like it has hurt many in golf history like Viktor Hovland and Dustin Johnson to name a few. The… pic.twitter.com/WHHgNYDJYy

— Steve Scott (@sscottpga) February 24, 2025

“This relatively simple up and down on the front nine was just one example of the high soft shot that he does not employ yet,” Scott continued.

“You can see him on the follow through try to open the face to add that loft that he was lacking through the shot.

“Good news is they said on the telecast today that Ernie Els was trying to teach him to use a weaker grip around the greens, which is wonderful advice from the sage veteran. That will help the face open more and have softer touch with the ball’s landing. Once he does that, look out for the longest hitter on the PGA Tour.”

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The impressive ball striker’s chipping didn’t stop him from making it to a play-off, however. And, if it wasn’t for a huge stroke of luck for his opponent Brian Campbell, he could still have walked away with a win.

As Scott says, however, if he can tidy up his chipping just a little, the rest of the tour better look out.

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor