Sahith Theegala experienced the paradox of being so close yet so far. He appeared destined to take home his first professional victory throughout much of the competition. Unfortunately, he finished three strokes behind eventual leader Sam Burns, while Sathith’s 19-under par allowed him to finish in a career-high eighth place.
A positive development is that Theegala booked his PGA Tour seat for the 2021–2022 season in early September. He expressed his gratitude to his parents, brother, and mother for helping him in his pursuit of PGA Tour membership. Sahith commented on Instagram, “Not sure what I did to earn such great people around me, but I feel the love.
Sahith Faced Racism as a Young Golfer due to his Indian Heritage
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Muralidhar Theegala, Sahith’s father, relocated to the US in 1987 to attend graduate school. On December 4, 1997, he and fellow Indian immigrant Karuna Theegala welcomed Sahith into the world.
Muralidhar made at least one trip to India every two years to keep the family in touch with its Indian roots. Vijaya Laxmi, Karuna’s mother, moved to the US in 2001 to support Sahith and his brother while Karuna battled cancer.
Laxmi has lived with Sahith’s family for six months every year since 2001. Sahith thus has strong ties to his Indian roots while growing up in California.
Sahith told The New York Times,
“I’m very proud of my past and my Indian heritage. But I don’t give it much thought while I’m around my buddies or other golfers.
Sahith’s race almost prevented his rapidly advancing golf career. Due to the young golfer’s race, his father’s attempt to enroll him into an exclusive country club in Los Angeles was unsuccessful. They were expressly informed by a club representative that they were not welcome there.
Although the setback didn’t hinder Sahith’s progress, it brought attention to the lack of diversity in golf. The white-dominated sport was expected to shift as a result of Tiger Woods’ popularity, but this did not happen.
Sahith hopes that through sharing his experience, other minorities may be motivated to start playing golf and reach the top. He stated:
“Given what’s happening, I’m proud of who I am and the diversity I bring to the golf community. In the end, having a successful career in professional golf is what we’re all aiming for. For others who watch me and realize that you don’t have to be the stereotypical white golfer, hopefully, that serves as some motivation.
Sahith Theegala’s parents pushed him Toward Sports
When Sahith was just two years old, he started watching sports with his father. When the Los Angeles squad lost a game, the young lad was devastated. His first passion was the Lakers. As a young child, Sahith grew to love the legendary Kobe Bryant of the Lakers.
Two days after Kobe Bryant’s terrible passing, he won the Southwestern Invitational while wearing Kobe’s jersey. Kobe is still an inspiration in Sahith’s life, as evidenced by the hashtag #mambamentality that appears in some of his Instagram posts.
At age three, Sahith struck his first golf ball, impressing Muralidhar with his innate talent. Theegala won the coveted Junior Worlds in San Diego, the first competition he entered. As he advanced in age, he also won the competition twice more.
Theegala registered for numerous competitions to gain experience in higher courses. He was denied entry into private golf clubs, so he entered through contests. Muralidhar acknowledged the effort Sahith had put in but cautioned his son against overextending himself. According to Muralidhar, Fore Magazine:
“Just keep playing your game, I encouraged him. Give the other player credit if you shoot 68 and lose. However, if you consistently shoot 68 while playing your game, you will typically outperform someone who just occasionally shoots 62. Embrace your game.
Sahith starts a tournament, but Muralidhar doesn’t wish him success.
“I advise having fun. Why would I wish someone luck? Muralidhar gave a statement. “You completed your work on the range already. Simply have fun.
When Sahith got to college, he had won several tournaments but was dreadfully crude. He swung awkwardly, put the clubs in the wrong spots, and had terrible fashion sense. Sahith, who had already made a name for himself as the best in the country, didn’t mind refinement, though. Sahith will succeed, according to Muralidhar, who told The New York Times:
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