Without hesitation, Sahith Theegala states that TPC Twin Cities has never been a suitable venue for his style of play.
In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, driving the ball far and straight is essential to winning, and although Theegala has a lengthy list of strengths, his off-the-tee game has not been among them. He plays approach quite well. He’s one of the most inventive short-game players on the PGA TOUR, and his putter has a reputation for hitting lengthy hot streaks.
The driver ? That, however, is a different tale. Understandably up until the end of this year.
Theegala was thrilled to return to the 3M Open, even though he is now ranked 24th in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee throughout his career. With a bogey-free 5-under 66, he’s off to a fantastic start. He wanted to beat the course more than the field.
“I feel like I’m having a vengeance week. I simply wanted to return and test my mettle on the golf course that has severely abused me over the past three years.I think this is the first week in a long time where I’m truly simply concerned with beating the golf course, not even the score. I don’t really care what other guys shoot; all I want is to feel like I finished this course. I’m not even looking at the board or other guys.” Theegala said.
After one round, the mission was completed. During the morning wave, Theegala was tied with sixth place. Years ago, he would leave the TPC Twin Cities in disbelief, realizing how many low scores he still had to go. Not on Thursday. He gained more than a stroke with his driver, hit nine out of fourteen fairways, and averaged over 300 yards off the tee. At last, he had the components for the concoction that would win.
“Returning was much anticipated as it marked the greatest advancement in my career.”Theegala said.
This season, Theegala, 26, has improved his stroke count off the tee in 17 out of 20 events. He attributes it to his increased level of fitness, which he made his main goal after winning the Fortinet Championship last year, his first PGA TOUR event. He’s moved on to healthier alternatives in place of Chick-fil-A and pad thai after rounds. He’s dedicated himself to a more regular workout regimen, which has improved his flexibility and strength. This has improved his swing mechanics by removing some hip slip that was causing incorrect tee shots.
I think I’m in the best health I’ve ever been in. I worked incredibly hard with my coach on setup and weight transfer. We’ve gotten it down to using the driver with only a few basic keys.
Theegala is in the finest situation he has been in since receiving his card in 2021. Now ranked seventh in the FedExCup rankings, he has already finished second twice this season, which is equal to his total from last year.
Theegala is expected to automatically qualify for the U.S. Presidents Cup Team and will make it to the Playoffs and the TOUR Championship. A victory would probably guarantee his place.
These are worries over Theegala’s future. His primary concern at the moment is TPC Twin Cities.
Though I know some people would be afraid to take it on, I have no trouble doing so. I truly don’t want to let the course get the better of me again, but if I fail, then whatever.
