“PRO” FILES – TOURING PROFESSIONAL SAHITH THEEGALA

His name is of international origin, but Sahith Theegala is all American. He was born in Fullerton, California, to parents who emigrated to the United States from India in the 1980s. He was a standout at Pepperdine University, winning all three collegiate player-of-the-year awards (Haskin, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus), one of only five golfers to do so.  

He turned pro to much acclaim in 2020 and played the Korn Ferry Tour in 2021, earning his PGA Tour card for 2022. He quickly became a fan favorite as he challenged for the title at the WM Phoenix Open before finishing third. He also came close to winning on two other occasions in addition to several high finishes. Finally, this past September, he earned his first victory at the Fortinet Championship in his native California. If you’re looking to bet on who will be America’s next superstar, you can do worse than put your money on Sahith Theegala. Oh, and as to the pronunciation of his name, it is “saw hith thee gala.”