South African star leads despite late struggles—Aaron Rai sits six shots back in the tense final round

Aldrich Potgieter remains in control at the Mexico Open, but not without drama. The 20-year-old South African nearly unravelled on the final holes of his third round, opening the door for rivals as he hunts his maiden PGA Tour victory.

Leading by three shots with two to play, Potgieter misfired a tee shot into the bushes on the 17th. He scrambled to save bogey but saw his cushion shrink to just one shot. Then, on the par-five 18th, he struggled again—his second shot came up short, forcing him to chip to a tricky front pin. A clutch five-foot putt for par kept his lead intact at 20-under.

American Brian Campbell surged into contention with a bogey-free 64, finishing just one stroke behind Potgieter. Germany’s Stephan Jaeger, who looked set to challenge for the lead, suffered a costly bogey on the seventh, eventually settling three shots back.

England’s Aaron Rai, seeking his second PGA Tour win, remains in the mix at six shots off the pace. Rai’s steady 68 put him in a tie for fifth, ensuring he’ll be part of Sunday’s second-last group. His ability to capitalise on any slip-ups from the leaders could prove crucial.

Potgieter can’t afford another shaky finish if he hopes to secure his first PGA Tour title. With a narrow lead, any mistakes could open the door for Campbell, Jaeger, or Rai to mount a late charge. His ability to stay composed under pressure will be the key to closing out the tournament.

As the final round approaches, the South African will return to Vidanta Vallarta with a chance to cement his place among golf’s rising stars. If he can rediscover the dominance that put him in the lead, Potgieter could walk away with not just a trophy, but a career-defining victory.

Potgieter, known for his monstrous driving distance—averaging 329.4 yards—has dominated Vidanta Vallarta’s wide fairways. But as Sunday’s final round looms, the pressure mounts. With a PGA Tour victory, a Masters invite, and a spot in The Players Championship on the line, will the young star hold his nerve, or will challengers like Rai and Campbell steal the spotlight?