The 2024 Tour Championship is a special moment for Sahith Theegala. Although he is quite far behind the leader, Scottie Scheffler, this was the one-time PGA Tour winner’s 100th start at the top tier of men’s professional golf. And, Theegala’s family and friends came to cheer for the 26-year-old.

They all sported a white tee with ‘100th PGA’ written on it. They also broth banners that read, “Let’s Go Sahith Theegala #100 Event.” Theegala, a Pepperdine graduate, got into Golf at an early age. Later, he credited his parents for reaching where he is today. “He [His father] put everything that he could into me. My mom, too, sacrificed so much for me, but my dad’s definitely the reason I’m playing professional golf today,” the 26-year-old told the PGA Tour.

He was right. His father got into golf after coming to Stateside thanks to a friend, Paramjeet Ahluwalia. They made it a habit of teeing up at 5 AM every Saturday. Soon, they started bringing their sons. Ahluwalia later recalled that Sahith Theegala, then 3, caught the game quite early. He used to practice putting in a corner inside their house.

Theegala has quickly turned into a fan favorite as well. His calm demeanor, gracious presence, and vibrant candor have made him a rising star in his own right. Theegala’s fanbase is quite wide and diverse as the comments evinced. 

Netizens come in droves to shower love on Sahith Theegala and his family

While the weekend golf outings tell the story of his entry into Golf, it doesn’t reveal his ascendance to the top. Interestingly, before his career started, it was on the verge of ending. A wrist injury forced him to sit out his senior year at Pepperdine. 

But rest was no cure; Theegala had to undergo surgery. Notably, he had to take a redshirt year. Cut to three years, the PGA Tour Pro netted his first victory at the 2022 Fortinet Championship. No wonder his rise has resonated with fans. One of them wrote, “Theegala has quickly become one of my favorite players on tour.” Echoing the previous comment, another person commented, “Congrats to the STUD! #1 fan favorite!!!”

Last year, Theegala couldn’t advance beyond the BMW Championship. So, the 2024 Tour Championship is all the more special as it came as a result of his seven top tens. Theegala has also made it to the Presidents Cup. So, one user quite aptly wrote, “No better way to celebrate.” 

Nevertheless, if you thought Thursday was it, you are wrong. More of Theegala’s family members and friends are eager to come during the final round. In fact, that’s the plan. One of them noted, “Always! There’s more of us that will be there over the weekend!” Another wrote, “Proud of you Sahith.”

Theegala opened with a 4-under 67 at East Lake. Although he is nine shots behind the leader, Scottie Scheffler, a top-ten finish is likely, should he keep the momentum. That would also be his best finish at the FedEx Cup. Of course, it can’t come at a better moment than this!