At the WM Phoenix Open, Sahith Theegala hugs the spectators, inferring “a hundred different storylines” from them. He has succeeded here in a similar manner because he accepts the underlying crazy of TPC Scottsdale.
In recent months, a plot point pertaining to Theegala has emerged: he is moving up towards the top of the game. His rise has been sparked by the WM Phoenix Open, and his slump in Scottsdale may just be getting started.
At the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, Theegala made an early lead with a 6-under 65, the lowest score on a soggy Thursday where only half of the field finished the first round. The former Pepperdine student was 5-under through 14 holes when a three-and-a-half-hour weather delay began; heavy rains earlier in the day had left the course impassable.
He completed his last four holes in 1 under after the delay, setting up a Friday that will probably involve a lot of waiting and laptop chess games before he starts his second round.
This week, Theegala, 26, was a well-liked pre-tournament choice in recognition of his recent form and course history. His tee shot at the 17th par-4 hole on Sunday struck the water, resulting in a bogey, and he missed a playoff by one stroke. Two years ago, he was runner-up here in an emotional fashion after leading through both 36 and 54 holes. That week, he was a relatively unknown sponsor exemption to begin with, but by the end, fans were chanting his last name.
Just a few months had passed since he had won his first Tour card via the Korn Ferry Tour Finals ; for golf fans, that week was akin to his “Hello, world” moment. At the beginning of his post-round interview, he apologised to the media while crying uncontrollably.
The Californian kept his word, saying he would be better off as a result of the encounter.
Theegala is now ranked No. 22 in the Official World Golf Ranking, having started the 2022 WM Phoenix Open ranked No. 318. Weeks after almost losing out on a berth in the TOUR Championship (he ended No. 31 on the FedExCup following the BMW Championship; the top 30 progressed to East Lake), he won his maiden TOUR title at the Fortinet Championship last autumn. He waited in the Olympia Fields parking lot as the cars gradually emptied away, mentally reliving pivotal moments from the decisive match and making a commitment to never feel the same again.
That hurt keeps getting further and further in the past as the great finishes mount. After being runner-up at The Sentry last month, just one stroke behind winner Chris Kirk, Theegala made his way to the WM following a strong T20 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last week.
Theegala acknowledged to Golf.com last autumn that he was disappointed not to be selected for the United States Ryder Cup team. However, Theegala might be the first choice for a position in this fall’s Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal if TPC Scottsdale patrons had a vote. Team events are typically where those who thrive in high-pressure situations excel, and TPC Scottsdale’s closing stadium gauntlet provides a unique preparation chatter around the pronunciation of Theegala’s first name.
“The number of fans there was unexpected given the chilly weather, sideways rain, and high temperatures of 20 degrees. Witnessing the overwhelming support and people singing my name was amazing. Being back is always wonderful since I had a clear understanding of that last year following my run the year before.
The last name is usually rather good. The last name chants are always quite enjoyable because, well, Theegala kind of comes off the tongue that way. Some letters get added or removed as they try to yell the initial name while they’re a touch tipsy. It doesn’t worry me in the slightest since I know they’re supporting me. I adore it. If they’re shouting, I don’t care how they pronounce things.” Theegala said.
With up to 16 holes left in Thursday’s late wave, Friday might be a light day for Theegala. The second round will then start with that wave, with Friday’s late wave which includes Theegala likely starting in the middle to late afternoon.
Theegala finds things to do to pass the time with ease. He spent some time Thursday with his parents in player dining, after which he spent an hour “just for warmth” sitting in his car, playing chess puzzles and listening to music. During the waiting period on Friday, he plans to avoid using his phone; instead, he plans to play chess on his laptop, have coffee and brunch, and maybe watch some tournament coverage to gain some perspective on the course conditions.
Then, like he did two years ago when the audience fell in love with his aggressive playing style and free-spirited character, he will take on TPC Scottsdale with the goal of securing a late weekend tee time. Theegala has some qualities of a player for the people, similar to Arnold Palmer in the present era.
Palmer is the only player in history to win the WM Phoenix Open three times in a row (1961–1963). It’s not a bad thing to do that.
