Latest news with #Theegala
Hans India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Golf: Theegala tees up in attempt to make Play-offs as Bhatia looks to rise in rankings
Blaine: Akshay Bhatia will seek to improve his position from the current 46th on the FedExCup points list, while for Sahith Theegala, who came back to action last week at the Open, the 3M Open is one of the last two chances to make the big jump into the Top-70 for the 2025 Playoffs. Bhatia is 46th on the list and 38th in the world. Theegala is 50th in the world ranking. While Bhatia and Theegala have full status for the Tour because they made the Top-30 Tour Championship in 2024, they are seeking a better ranking to get into the $ 20M Signature events next season. Theegala also plans to play a lot of Fall Season events after the Playoffs. For now, Theegala needs something like a win or a Top-3 in both events to have a chance to squeeze into the Play-offs. Theegala tees off with Maverick McNealy, the highest-ranked player in the field, and Max Homa, also looking to make the Playoffs. Bhatia plays with William Mouw and Jake Knapp. Last year, Theegala was Tied-sixth at the 3M Open, so it clearly suits him, but he had missed the cut on three earlier occasions, while Bhatia, in his first appearance at the event last year, was T-64. Bhatia, in his last five starts, has been in the Top-30 three times, including at the Open, but is still some way from the kind of form that saw him finish third at the PLAYERS. Theegala has missed his last two cuts, including at the Open, and his best this year has been T-17 at Genesis in February and then T-17 at Zurich Classic with Indo-British Aaron Rai. Also, the Indian-American duo will be looking to go up in the ranking to merit an invitation to Tiger Woods' elite Top-20 event, the Hero World Challenge, which both played last year and was fourth as Scottie Scheffler won a second time. The four majors, eight Signature Events, THE PLAYERS Championship, five Additional Events, and another 16 competitions are all done and dusted, and only two tournaments remain for the Playoffs to begin. After the 3M Open is the Wyndham Championship. Dozens in the field of 156 at the 3M Open who currently sit outside the bubble to qualify for the three-event series will be hoping for a good outing these two weeks, and Theegala is one of them. Maverick McNealy returns to the 3M Open as the highest-ranked golfer in the field, and he is also on the hunt for a spot on the U.S. Team at the Ryder Cup. McNealy finished tied for third last year in Minnesota and has six top-10 finishes so far this year. After his magical run in Europe, Chris Gotterup returns to the U.S. with momentum on his side. Gotterup won the Genesis Scottish Open and followed that up with a solo third at The Open Championship, while Jhonattan Vegas returns to the 3M Open looking to become the first golfer to successfully go back-to-back in the tournament's history. Other top stars include Sam Burns (22nd on FedExCup), Wyndham Clark (25th), Gotterup (23rd), and Sungjae Im (29th).
News18
19-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Theegala misses cut at Portrush, but happy to be back from injury
Agency: PTI Last Updated: Portrush (N Ireland), Jul 19 (PTI) Golfer Sahith Theegala may have missed the cut at the British Open but he is happy to be back in action after a two-month layoff due to injuries. Theegala (75-74), who made an early exit at Royal Portrush, had suffered injuries earlier this year that saw him play indifferently and miss a few cuts. He withdrew from the Truist Championship and took a two-month rest to allow his body to recover. 'It felt good playing once again. Getting healthy after the 'oblique' pain and the neck injury was the top priority. After a good 2024, there were high (hopes), but injuries were frustrating," said Theegala, on a day when Indo-British golfer Aaron Rai (69-72) and fellow Indian-American Akshay Bhatia (73-68) made the cut in T-26th place. For Rai, it was a fall from T-10 in the first round, while Bhatia, who had a great start in the second round with three starting birdies, shot 68 despite a series of late bogeys. Despite that, Bhatia moved up from T-70 to T-26 for his maiden cut at the Open. Rai, who has made all four cuts this year, made his seventh Major cut in a row. He had a best of T-19 in 2021, and interestingly his best at the US Open is also T-19 in 2024. Theegala said he will play a lot of events in the Fall season to get his form back. He also hopes to tee up at Tiger Woods' event, the Hero World Challenge. 'I have an exemption into next year because of making the Tour Championship, but I also hope to get back my rhythm and see if I can get to some early Signature events. A few good results or even a win, maybe," he said. He also hoped that Akshay Bhatia and Aaron Rai do well over the weekend at Portrush. PTI Cor AM AM AM view comments First Published: July 19, 2025, 16:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
18-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Rai certain to make cut; Theegala, Bhatia struggle at the Open
Agency: Portrush (N Ireland), July 18 (PTI) Indian-American Sahith Theegala's come back to the Majors after missing the last two events ended early at Portrush while Aaron Rai (69-72) ensured his presence for the final two rounds at the 153rd Open here. Theegala shot 75-74 and is almost certain to miss the cut. Indo-British Rai, who at one stage was in joint lead in the first round at 4-under, finally finished the first day at 2-under in Tied-10th place and then slid with an 1-over 72 in the second round. At 1-under for 36 holes, he was provisionally at T-20 and certain to make the cut. Another Indian-American, Akshay Bhatia, who was third at the Players Championship and fourth at Tiger Woods-hosted Hero World Challenge, shot 2-over 73 and was just around the cut line in T-68 but was yet to begin his second round. The world No. 46, Theegala, who missed the US PGA and the US Open due to injury returned to the Open in difficult conditions after a neck injury. Rai, who had made just one cut in his first Major starts, has since made seven straight cuts, including all four in 2025. Rai, who played the Tour Championship alongside Theegala and Bhatia in 2024, T-27 at the Masters, T-19 at PGA Championship and T-33 at the US Open. Rai had four birdies in his first eight holes in the first round and then three straight bogeys from the ninth to the 11th followed by a birdie on the 12th. He closed with six successive pars for a 2-under 69. In the second round, Rai had two birdies on the 12th and 15th and bogeys on the sixth, seventh and the 14th for a 72. Bhatia's first round 73 included two birdies on the fifth and the seventh and three bogeys on the third, fourth and the 13th. Theegala playing his first event since the last week of May at the Memorial, Theegala was happy to be back, but lack of play showed as he had just two birdies against four bogeys and a double bogey in a round that finished very late. In the next round, he was marginally better with two birdies against five bogeys for a 3-over 74 and a total of 7-over. In the first round, Li Haotong became the first Chinese player to be joint leading at the end of a day's play at The Open, as he shared the lead with four others. The five were Haotong, Denmark's Jacob Skov Olesen, American Harris English, South African Christian Bezuidenhout and the 2022 US Open winner, Matt Fitzpatrick, all of whom shot 67 each. Only 31 players were under par at the end of day one as against 41 after the first round in 2019 at Portrush and Li Haotong and Justin Rose (69) were the only ones to sign for bogey free rounds. A victory by any of the co-leaders would mark the 12th consecutive first-time Open Championship winner. The 2024 British Amateur champion Jacob Skov Olesen has two prior starts on the PGA Tour which are the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon (T60), 2025 ISCO Championship (MC) and he held his first lead after any round on Tour. Fitzpatrick recorded his best opening-round score in his 10th start at The Open Championship and bettered his previous best of 69 in 2017. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was Tied-sixth after carding an opening-round 68 in bid to become the second straight player to win the PGA Championship and Open Championship in the same season after Xander Schauffele did that in 2024. He is the only player to finish inside the top 10 in the first three majors of the 2025 Masters Tournament (4th), 1st/PGA Championship (win), U.S. Open (T-7). The 2025 Masters Tournament champion and World No. 2 Rory McIlroy shot 1-under 70 and was -20. Schauffele bidding to become the first player to successfully defend at The Open since Padraig Harrington (2008), posted an even par 71 and was T-32 after first round. PTI Corr UNG (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 19:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
The Open 2025: Sahith Theegala back in time from injury for his 'favourite' tournament
The Open 2025: Sahith Theegala Portrush : Sahith Theegala is back in time from his injury for what he says is his favourite tournament other than the Masters. And he is ready for the 153rd Open at Portrush. Theegala, who played his maiden Open in 2022 at the 150th Open, was looking forward to this one, more so after having a great season in 2024 where he was second in the 72-hole scores at the Tour Championship. He was third overall in the FedExCup standings, even after calling a penalty on himself that cost him one place in standings and two and a half million dollars. The Indian-American would have been justified in hoping for a 'big' season in 2024. Yet, his season never really got going, and then he was 'injured'. Theegala played the Masters and made the cut to finish T-29. Then came the problems. But now after a few missed cuts, withdrawals and no finishes better than T-17 at Genesis, he is back at a tournament he loves. Theegala plays the first round at Portrush with another player with an Indian touch, Aaron Rai, an Indo-British player whose grandparents were of Indian origin. The third player is Harry Hall of the US. Akshay Bhatia, the other Indian-American in the field, plays with two in-form players, Sepp Straka of Austria and American Benjamin Griffin. Theegala, Bhatia and Rai made the elite Tour Championship in 2024 and that gave them an exemption through 2026. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo After a good short-game session Theegala said, 'Yeah, it feels good (to be back). Monday was the first time I hit drivers really. So just getting into golf speed was tricky. I wanted to go full out, but I'm on a ball count, pitch count. So I try to limit my swings. Today was the best day,' he said ahead of the 153rd Open. 'Body feels great. I'm fully healthy, which is the first time in a long time. So I'm excited to get going, but I just need to be careful of not doing too much. So it was fun to have a chipping session there for the first time in a while so I feel good. Not quite up to full speed yet but am fully healthy and (it is) green light so just got to work my way into it a little slowly.' The injury had taken a long time. 'It was just frustrating because it wasn't big injuries, it wasn't injuries that I was doing in a cast, in a surgery, nothing like that. It was just that I needed to rest. It was like initially I said six to 12 weeks, but my strain did heal a little bit in the three months.' Poll Do you think Sahith Theegala can perform well despite recent injuries? Yes, he will surprise everyone No, injuries will affect him He added, 'I completely did nothing for 5 to 6 weeks. I started getting back in the gym a couple of weeks ago. And then (when) started golfing just a week ago. I feel good. It was just like I kept going through little injuries that eventually built up. My whole golf swing and my body was not working properly. I am feeling good about my game and have had some good sessions, but am not overdoing things.' There is some disappointment that he may not make the FedExCup play-offs as there are only a couple of events left after this week. 'The only unfortunate part is I have only got two more events the rest of the season before playoffs and I am not going to make playoffs unless I win an event earlier or like two top threes..' Meanwhile, with the draw out, the defending champion Xander Schauffele, who described his win at The 152nd Open as the sweetest of his life, has returned the Claret Jug and is paired for the first two days with US Open winner JJ Spaun and two-time major champion Jon Rahm. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Newsweek
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
PGA Tour Star Reveals Indefinite Absence amid Crushing Injury
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. In the days leading up to the start of the RBC Canadian Open, a flood of players withdrew for various reasons. One of the most notable cases was Sahith Theegala, who was one of the highest-ranked players to pull out at the last minute. As one of RBC's ambassadors on the PGA Tour, Theegala definitely prioritizes this event. Taking everything into consideration, it was clear that Theegala's decision must have been made for a very serious reason. Hours later, Theegala confirmed the seriousness of his injury on Instagram. "The RBC Canadian Open always treats players so well, and I was really excited to play the new venue at TPC Toronto this year," he posted on social media. "The place looks beautiful and I've heard so many great things about the golf course and the facility overall. Doctors have advised me to put the clubs away for a little while as I get treatment and rest for an injury I've been battling the last few weeks, so this one stings. "Wishing my great friends at RBC a wonderful week. They are first class all the way, and I'll miss competing with all my fellow Team RBC players for Canada's national Open Championship." "Thank you to my fans and sponsors for your continued support. See you all soon!!" This is the first time that Theegala has missed the RBC Canadian Open since he joined the PGA Tour in 2022. In his three starts, he has made two cuts, with his best finish being T38 in 2023. The PGA Tour winner has played in 15 tournaments this year, making 13 cuts. However, his results have not met expectations. He has failed to finish in the top 10 at any tournament this season, and his best result was a tie for 17th place at the Genesis Invitational. This is the third tournament Theegala has withdrawn from this season. Less than four weeks ago, he withdrew from the Truist Championship after completing three rounds due to a neck injury. Sahith Theegala of the United States plays his shot from the 11th tee during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 02,... Sahith Theegala of the United States plays his shot from the 11th tee during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 02, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. MoreA week later, he was unable to take his place in the PGA Championship field for the same reason. He played in the Memorial Tournament a week ago, but it was clear that he wasn't fully recovered. This led to him missing his second cut of the season. Based on his social media post, it appears that he will also miss next week's U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, and likely beyond. More Golf: RBC Canadian Open Field Weakened as PGA Tour Stars Withdraw
