19-year-old Aldrich Potgieter Makes Golf History in Abaco
Abaco, The Bahamas – 7 Feb. 2024 - Aldrich Potgieter, 19, from South Africa, secured victory at the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic, to become the youngest winner in the history of the Korn Ferry Tour. Potgieter clinched the win, carding 10-under 278 for a two-stroke victory over Quade Cummins and Kyle Westmoreland. The 4-day Bahamas Great Abaco Classic was hosted at The Abaco Club, Jan 21- 24.
Starting the final round five shots behind Kyle Westmoreland, Potgieter's incredible win included birdies on three of his first four holes, an eagle on the eighth, and birdies on four of the last six holes to secure a final-round score of 65.
Parliamentary Secretary John Pinder II of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation said, “The Great Abaco Classic offers elite golfers the opportunity to compete at the world-class course situated at The Abaco Club at Winding Bay”. “The champion earns a coveted spot on the PGA Tour, while all participants have the chance to enjoy a stunning golf course with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.” “Engaging with the local culture, basking in the natural beauty of The Abacos, and contending in this esteemed tournament create a truly unparalleled experience.”
Reflecting on his win, Potgieter said, "I was just trying to make the cut and improve on the status. I didn’t expect this today. We saw Nick Dunlap win last week, and that was a reminder that it can be done."
Potgieter joins the ranks of other teenage winners on the Korn Ferry Tour, including Sungjae Im, Akshay Bhatia, and Jason Day.
The 2024 Korn Ferry Tour season opened in January with two consecutive golf tournaments in The Bahamas — the Bahamas Great Exuma Classic, held 14 – 17 Jan. and the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic, 21 – 24 Jan. The Tour season continues with upcoming events in Panama, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile. The first U.S. event is scheduled for April 4-7 in Savannah, Georgia.
ABOUT THE KORN FERRY TOUR
Founded (1990), owned and operated by the PGA TOUR, the Korn Ferry Tour identifies and develops golf's next stars, preparing them to compete and win on the game's biggest stage. The Korn Ferry Tour, which has served as a path to the PGA TOUR since its inception, will award 30 PGA TOUR cards based on its points list in 2023, with the No. 1 player earning exemptions into the following year’s PLAYERS Championship and U.S. Open. With more than 600 PGA TOUR titles, 28 major championships and six FedExCup champions, Korn Ferry Tour alumni make up 88 percent of the PGA TOUR’s current membership. To learn more about the PGA TOUR, the Korn Ferry Tour and to follow the season-long quest for a PGA TOUR card, visit PGATOUR.COM or follow the Korn Ferry Tour on social media.
ABOUT BDG SPORTS
bdG Sports is a leader in turn-key event management with a primary focus in basketball and professional golf. The firm boasts an event portfolio that has impacted multiple communities throughout North America and the Caribbean while featuring broadcasts to viewers across the globe.
In professional golf, bdG owns and operates two season-opening Korn Ferry Tour tournaments, The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic and The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic, both $1 million purses. bdG manages multiple pro-ams throughout the year at destination golf clubs such as Albany, Shadow Creek, Whistling Straights and Bandon Dunes.
ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy flyaway escape that transports travellers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating, birding, and nature-based activities, thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and pristine beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com, download the Islands of the Bahamas app or visit Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.
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For more information, visit www.pgatour.com, www.bahamas.com or www.Tourismtoday.com.
PRESS INQUIRIES:
Danielle Bodie
General Manager
Domestic Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
dbodie@bahamas.com