The big-hitting 21-year-old joins Ernie Els (1994) and Trevor Immelman (2006) as the only South African-born winners of the prestigious Arnold Palmer award.
At 20 years, 9 months, and 16 days old, Potgieter became the ninth-youngest winner on the PGA Tour since 1983 and the youngest South African to secure a Tour victory with his triumph at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit.
He was one of five rookies to claim a Tour title this season and the only rookie to advance to the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
"What Aldrich has achieved at such a young age is truly remarkable," said PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. "He has captivated fans across the globe including his home country of South Africa and the Tour is thrilled to see what his future holds."
Rookie of the Year honours are decided by a vote of PGA Tour members, with eligibility limited to those who played in at least 15 official FedEx Cup events during the 2025 season.
Potgieter, a native of Mossel Bay, claimed the Arnold Palmer Award over four other nominees: Michael Brennan, Steven Fisk, William Mouw, and Karl Vilips.
In addition to his Detroit win, Potgieter lost in a playoff at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open and finished tied for sixth at the Charles Schwab Challenge. He also led the Tour in driving distance for the season, averaging 325 yards.
Scottie Scheffler drew further comparisons with Tiger Woods on Monday after becoming just the second player to claim PGA Tour Player of the Year honours four times consecutively.
The grueling final stage of PGA Tour Qualifying School wrapped at TPC Sawgrass on Sunday, with just five players earning full PGA Tour cards for the 2026 season.
French golfer Victor Perez, who joined LIV Golf last month, will compete with The Cleeks team in 2026.
LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil says he is hopeful the tour will secure official world ranking points for its players in 2026.
