Theegala makes the most of PGA TOUR debut

February 19, 2017


By Julia Pine

PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIF. - Sahith Theegala has undoubtedly made himself the favorite to win this summer's U.S. Amateur.

Just 176 days before Riviera CC hosts the nation's most prestigious amateur tournament, Pepperdine sophomore Theegala gained the most valuable experience he could, playing four PGA TOUR rounds in the Genesis Open in tough conditions here on the same course.

"It gives me an unbelievable amount of confidence ahead of the U.S. Amateur," said the 19-year-old SCGA member Theegala. "Playing Riv in tournament conditions is something very few others will have experienced."

Qualifying by way of the Collegiate Showdown on Monday, Theegala's only expectations for the week were to soak in the experience. "But making the cut too would be great," Theegala said Monday.

A phenomenal opening round of 67 took the drama out of any potential fight with the cut line, as Theegala made weekend action with a two-shot buffer. After a Round 2 73, Theegala's week got even more exciting, as a pairing with SoCal's own Phil Mickelson landed in his lap when the duo both sat at 2-under par midway through the event.

"I was trying to stay in my own game, but at the same time I was definitely admiring Phil," said Theegala. "Some of the shots he hit today were unbelievable. And he's just as good of a guy as everyone says he is, maybe even better. The experience playing with him is something I'll never forget."

Soaking in all of his PGA TOUR debut, Theegala couldn't leave without a certain memento.

"Oh, I had to ask him for a photo after the round," said the Chino Hills resident. "I couldn't play 36 holes with Phil and not ask for a picture."

But Theegala wasn't the only one asking for photos. A cheering squad of nearly 40 were out in full force all week despite the rainy conditions, with family, friends and of course a large Pepperdine contingent keeping up with Theegala every step of the way. Cheers for birdies rivaled those from the Mickelson gallery, and large cutouts of Theegala's face were sprinkled throughout the crowd. Autographs, selfies and high fives were abundant after each round of play.

"Having family and friends out here made the whole experience," said Theegala. "Having so many people close to me come out and support me, that means the world to me and makes the week that much more enjoyable."

Aside from enjoying the experience, Theegala also played some very good golfm finishing in the Top 50 in an event that boasted the strongest field of the entire West Coast Swing. But the success doesn't make the sophomore think twice about rushing into a professional career.

"Leaving early is not even a question for me," said Theegala. "I am going to play at Pepperdine for four years and earn my degree."

And that collegiate career continues Monday, as Theegala will head directly to the Coachella Valley from Riviera to play in The Prestige at PGA WEST, a college tournament that begins in less than 24 hours.

"I'm definitely tired, but I'm pumped to play tomorrow too," said Theegala. "I kind of hit a wall those last few holes energy wise, but it was still a blast coming down the stretch knowing it was the end of my PGA TOUR experience for now. But I'll definitely get a few hours of sleep in the car."

Theegala, who made an impressive run at the U.S. Amateur last summer that resulted in a quarterfinals experience, is exempt into the event this year. The 2017 U.S. Amateur begins Aug. 14, and will utilize both Riviera CC and Bel-Air CC for stroke play before settling in to the PGA TOUR venue for match play. And oh yeah Bel-Air? Pepperdine utilizes that course from time to time as a practice facility.



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golf829

Monday, February 20, 2017

So happy for Sahith!! He has worked very hard and is deserving of all this attention!

CurtisBaker

Monday, February 20, 2017

Congratulations, you made us all proud from Chino Hills. My grand kids were taking lessons from Rick Hunter and Rick had you hit balls for my grand kids they were so empressed with you and how you took the time to show them how to be an example to them.
 
Thank you.