Aldrich Potgieter’s Dramatic Offseason Transformation Fuels Genesis Invitational Run
LOS ANGELES – Aldrich Potgieter is making waves at the Genesis Invitational, not just with his play, but with a striking physical transformation. The 21-year-old South African has shed approximately 35 pounds during the offseason, a change he believes is already impacting his game.
Potgieter, known for his powerful drives, revealed he initiated the change with a simple text to his agent: “Wait until you see the new me.” He wasn’t exaggerating. Now hovering just above 200 pounds, the difference is readily apparent.
“I got in a nice system where I can kind of grind on some things that you can’t really do when you’re out here,” Potgieter explained, referring to the demands of the PGA Tour schedule. He’s now working with Marnus Marais, a renowned trainer whose clients include world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. “And being on the Tour for three years now and away from home, you get in some bad habits, and it just builds up over time. So, I think having some two months off to work on some things were good.”
The weight loss is just one piece of a broader overhaul for Potgieter. He’s also partnered with new management (Entertainment Sports Partners) and switched equipment and apparel to PXG. However, the adjustment hasn’t been seamless. While he remains one of the longest hitters on Tour, currently ranking third, he entered the Genesis Invitational ranked outside the top 130 in strokes gained in the approach, around the green, and putting.
This dip in short game performance contributed to missed cuts at the American Express, Farmers Insurance Open, and WM Phoenix Open. He managed a tie for 60th at Pebble Beach against a limited field before arriving at Riviera Country Club.
Potgieter’s recent performance at Riviera suggests the changes are beginning to coalesce. He fired back-to-back rounds of 3-under 68, positioning himself in contention heading into the weekend for the first time since his victory at the Rocket Classic last July.
“A lot of change,” Potgieter acknowledged. “And I think we picked up a little few things that changed with my posture and how I’m setting up to the ball. Lost some weight, so I think that kind of played a bit of a factor. So, when we figured that out, it was a little bit better.”
Potgieter currently trails co-leaders Marco Penge and Jacob Bridgeman by six strokes with 36 holes remaining at the Genesis Invitational. His strong showing at Riviera signals a potential turning point in his young PGA Tour career, which began in 2025 after earning his card through the Korn Ferry Tour.
