By Sunday 
You come to Detroit for the golf.
You leave as a Lions fan.
At least, that might be the case for Aldrich Potgieter, the 20-year-old South African golf phenom who just snagged his first PGA Tour title in a playoff marathon at the 2025 Rocket Classic. But this win wasn’t just about birdies, bogeys, and a shiny new trophy—it was also about a low-key NFL fandom moment that might’ve flown under the radar.
Five Holes, One Trophy, and a Surprise NFL Favorite
Potgieter didn’t have it easy. The final round at Detroit Golf Club tested every ounce of his patience and mental grit. After holding the 54-hole lead, he stumbled out of the gate and saw it all slipping away.
“I think it’s very different sleeping on a lead,” he admitted after the win. “You kind of have to figure out what kind of day it’s going to be.”
Cue five extra playoff holes, mounting pressure, and a crowd glued to every putt. And still, Potgieter stayed cool. Eventually, he drained the winning putt, becoming one of the youngest PGA Tour winners in recent decades with a -22 finish.
Lions Link-Up: A Pro-Am with a Side of Team Spirit
Here’s where it gets fun. Earlier in the week, Potgieter played in the Rocket Mortgage Classic Pro-Am alongside Detroit Lions players Jake Bates, Jack Fox, and Hogan Hatten. Turns out that experience made quite the impression.
“It’s been awesome,” Potgieter told WXYZ-TV. “Even playing in the Pro-Am with a couple of guys who play for the Lions. So, maybe I’m a Lions fan now. I need to find a pro team, so maybe it’s going to be the Lions.”
We’ve seen Detroit convert skeptics before, but converting international golf champions? That’s a new flex.
More Than a Win – A City Impression
The city of Detroit showed up for Potgieter. And the Lions—well, at least their kicker—returned the favor. Jake Bates was spotted cheering Potgieter on in the final round, decked out in green and white.
While most winners leave a tournament with a check and a press quote, Potgieter might’ve left with something more lasting: a little Detroit in his heart, and perhaps some Lions blue in his future closet.