THE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

June 17, 2022

Aldrich Potgieter

Quick Quotes

Q. How good does that feel, amateur final tomorrow?

ALDRICH POTGIETER: Yeah, really excited. Played well today and looking forward to tomorrow, same game plan. Just do what I did today.

Q. First time you've played in this?

ALDRICH POTGIETER: Yeah, first time in the U.K.

Q. So most people usually struggle with links golf and get used to what they are acclimatising to, but no problems for you?

ALDRICH POTGIETER: Yeah, I think I've got the wind factor nailed down. Took a few rounds to get know how to hit the shots around the greens and yeah, coming along nicely now.

Q. At 17, how do you control your emotions, given how young you are?

ALDRICH POTGIETER: Playing a few events in Australia and over in South Africa, as well, and match-play events, I've done well in those events. Coming around and just doing the same as I've done previous tournaments. Just keep going, play your game.

Q. Is that what you like, this type of format, as soon as you qualify, did you feel, "I can do something here"?

ALDRICH POTGIETER: Yeah, well, match play, anyone can win. If you're top 32 you and knock out number one, you're in it. No one has a past, really. Yeah, just play good golf.

Q. You've also obviously taken a liking to Royal Lytham and St Annes. Is it a course that just suits your eye, do you feel?

ALDRICH POTGIETER: Yeah, I played good in the first round here at Royal Lytham. I made double on 18, which is unfortunate, shooting 1-over. Just was playing brilliant golf. Greens were perfect. Can't ask for better.

Q. Coming over, did you seriously think tomorrow you're going to be playing the 36-hole final of The Amateur Championship?

ALDRICH POTGIETER: I did not. It's a big surprise, but I'll take it, yeah.

Q. Absolutely. The carrot tomorrow, a few prizes at stake. Do you bottle them out of your mind or use that as a spark to achieve?

ALDRICH POTGIETER: No, they are sitting in the back of the mind always. Yeah, looking forward, if I get the win, playing in the biggest events in the world. Yeah, really looking forward.

Q. You're playing Sam, who he played in The Open last year at St George's. Do you think that will be beneficial of it or just not matter at all?

ALDRICH POTGIETER: He probably has more experience than me but obviously you still have to hit the golf shots. Best man will win tomorrow.

Q. How do you feel over 36 holes? What's your strategy for that type of competition?

ALDRICH POTGIETER: Just hit your shot. Basically keep it out of play. Every shot counts. Hit one shot at a time.

Q. Tell us about your background in South Africa. Have you come through any of the academies over there? I know Ernie Els, Goosen, they do work. Is there any work you've been involved in?

ALDRICH POTGIETER: So I moved to Australia when I was eight years old and lived there for nine years, and then recently moved back to South Africa about I've months ago. I'm part of Louis 57 Academies, Louis Oosthuizen's academy. It's been really great. They have an amazing coach, Val Holland over there, and she's been helping me, amazing.

Q. Any other inspirations in South Africa or Australia?

ALDRICH POTGIETER: No, not really. Just playing in good events and done well there, and got more opportunities and taken them.