Move over Bryson DeChambeau. The American, who is known almost as much for his big-hitting exploits as anything else, has been outdriven by an 18-year-old amateur at the 2023 US Open.
Instead, it is the relatively unknown name of Aldrich Potgieter who tops the distance standings after 54 holes at Los Angeles Country Club. The South African has averaged a whopping 341 yards off the tee, putting him more than 10 yards clear of DeChambeau in second on 329.9 yards
DeChambeau underwent a massive physical transformation at the end of 2019 in order to add distance to his game and it paid immediate dividends as he won the 2020 US Open at Winged Foot by six shots. However, after experiencing a slump in form last year and in the early part of 2023, he decided to slim down following some health concerns due to the weight he'd put on.
He is now starting to show signs of the player who reached as high as No. 4 in the world rankings. DeChambeau finished in tie for fourth at the PGA Championship and is inside the top 10 after 54 holes of the third men's Major of the year, but trails Potgieter when it comes to distance off the tee this week.
Potgieter averaged 350.1 yards in round one, 329.8 yards in round two, and 343.2 yards in round three. Interestingly, another amateur, Gordon Sargent occupies third spot, emphasising the recent trend in the men's game.
DeChambeau will have a chance to make amends on Sunday but he will be far more interested in putting pressure on the leaders, whom he trails by seven shots with 18 holes to play.
As for Potgieter, who won last year's Amateur Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes to book his spot in the field this week, he was one of four amateurs to make the cut at LACC. However, he currently sits last in the battle for the low amateur medal.
