The 21-year-old fired an impressive three-under-par 67 to grab a share of the clubhouse lead alongside defending champion and world number one Scottie Scheffler, as well as Germany’s Martin Kaymer. It was Potgieter’s lowest round in a major championship and a performance that highlighted the growing confidence of one of South Africa’s brightest golfing prospects.

Speaking after his round, Potgieter credited smart course management and a hot putter for his excellent start, particularly after a shaky opening off the tee in the chilly morning conditions.

“I think I hit it in the right spots on the golf course, especially on the greens,” said Potgieter.

“I didn’t feel like I had to putt over some of the big slopes, so I left myself in really good positions and managed to make some long putts. I struggled a little bit off the tee on the front nine when it was cold, but it definitely got better on the back nine.”

Potgieter singled out his birdie on the 11th hole as one of the highlights of the day.

Garrick Higgo. Photo: X

“I think the birdie on 11 stood out for me. It was a nice putt from down the slope, so it was great to hole a long one there.”

The young South African added the early tee time helped him settle quickly, while recent performances in the United States have boosted his confidence on the big stage.

“It helped being out so early because there weren’t many people out there on the first few holes, so I could get into my own space and find a groove early.

“Playing in America over the last two years and competing in more signature events has definitely made me feel more comfortable this week.

“I’ve had some really good finishes lately, so the momentum has been building, and it’s nice to finally put together a first round that gets me close to the leaders instead of having to play catch-up.”

Meanwhile, fellow South African Garrick Higgo showed plenty of grit to finish on one-under-par 69 and in a tie for 15th, despite being handed a two-shot penalty for arriving late to the tee.

Casey Jarvis. Photo: Sunshine Tour

Higgo was reportedly just seconds late for his tee time and was due to tee off last in his group. Despite the frustrating start, the former Paul Roos Gymnasium pupil refused to let it derail his round.

“I knew first and foremost that I had to get a driver in my hand and hit a tee shot,” said Higgo.

“It wasn’t great, but once I got going, I just focused on what I needed to do. I wasn’t going to give up and shoot an 80, so the only thing I could do was make birdies and hit it where I wanted to.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout. Photo: Sunshine Tour

“They actually argued my case for me and, honestly, I wasn’t that late. I was supposed to tee off last anyway, and Sean hadn’t been announced yet because they were still trying to find me.

“I apologised if I caused any trouble by being late, but they said it was fine. I never want to bother anybody.”

Higgo responded brilliantly after the penalty, carding four birdies and just one bogey during his round.

Elsewhere, it proved to be a more challenging opening day for the other South Africans in the field.

Jayden Schaper. Photo: Sunshine Tour

Casey Jarvis, the reigning South African Open champion, signed for a level-par 70 to sit in a tie for 34th, while Christiaan Bezuidenhout carded a two-over-par 72 to share 67th place.

Jayden Schaper endured a difficult start, finishing on five-over-par 75 in a tie for 120th.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm