Sahith Theegala shot 21-under 267 to win by a two-shot margin
25-year-old California native of Indian origin, Sahith Theegala, finally got his due-win on the PGA Tour after rounds of 68-64-67-68 (21-under 267) at the US$ 8.4mn Fortinet Championship at Silverado Resort & Spa (North Course) in Napa, California.
Theegala’s win came in his 74th start on the tour, which he joined after a record-breaking college career where he was college player of the year and ranked No 1 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.
The moment @SRTheegala became a champion pic.twitter.com/AcmqXlQSd2
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 18, 2023
In his post match press conference, Theegala spoke about his Indian-ness and his relationship with Indian pros Shubhankar Sharma and Anirban Lahiri. He also remarked that after another Indian-American, Akshay Bhatia won on the PGA Tour last July and Aaron Rai finished 2nd at the BMW PGA in London last week – there was plenty of inspiration for Indian kids around the world.
Theegala’s previous best finish was a tie for second in the RSM Classic last November. He also posted seven top-10 finishes last season but just missed out on qualifying for the 2023 season ending Tour Championship as he finished 31st in the FedEx Cup standings after bogeying his final hole.
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“It doesn’t feel real. It’s probably not going to set in for a while,” Theegala said. “But man, that was a lot of good golf, and that was some of the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. I had so many family and friends cheering me on, and just the support I have is mind blowing. I go to bed at night these last few days and I’m like, I can’t believe how many people are cheering for me and rooting for me.
Winning with family means more.@SRTheegala reflects on the incredible support he’s received from friends and family @FortinetChamp. pic.twitter.com/3eDRbC72Iw
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 18, 2023
“But man, this feeling is incredible. And I couldn’t have done it without my whole team and everyone out here. This is such a team effort, and for me to just put it together like this, it means the world, it means the world to me.”
“I’m so proud of him.”
Murli Theegala reflects on @SRTheegala’s incredible victory @FortinetChamp. pic.twitter.com/fenahc6mtZ
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 18, 2023
Credits:-
Photo – PGA Tour