Sahith Theegala finishes Genesis Open First Round with a 4-under 68
Sahith Theegala
(Golfweek Photo)
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA (February 17, 2017) -- It was an early week up call on Friday morning for Pepperdine sophomore Sahith Theegala but he certainly didn't mind. With six holes remaining in his Genesis Open first round Theegala picked up right where he left off on Thursday playing 1-under golf to the house and signing for a first round 4-under 68.
Theegala is currently three shots off Sam Saunders 7-under lead and tied with among others Phil Mickelson.
When first round play at Riviera Country Club was suspended on Thursday Theegla, who started on the back nine, was 3-under through 12 holes. Play resumed at 7:00 a.m. PST and Theegala continued his strong round as if a break had never occurred. After a fourth hole par Theegala rolled in a fifth hole birdie before parring his way home.
Theegla is scheduled to return to the course for his second round at 8:55 a.m. PST. However, over three inches of rain is expected to fall at Riviera Country Club on Friday so it is yet to seen how much golf will be played.
DAY ONE RECAP
Fog delayed the start of the Genesis Open first round and then darkness cut Thursday play short. However, despite all the distractions Pepperdine sophomore Sahith Theegala got off to a fantastic start in his first PGA Tour event.
Playing at the site of the 2017 U.S. Amateur, Riviera Country Club, Theegala didn't tee off until 2:20 p.m. PST and despite only playing 12 holes he was able to reach 3-under-par.
Starting on the 10th hole Theegala, Monday's Collegiate Showcase winner, got off to a dynamite start with an eagle on the par-5 11th thus setting the stage for a 4-under 32 first nine holes. In addition to the eagle Theegala also birdied four holes and two bogeys.
Theegala played three holes on his second and has recorded two pars and a second hole bogey.
Currently, the 2016 U.S. Amateur quarterfinalist is four shots behind 7-under leader Sam Saunders.
The forecast for Friday looks shaky but play is scheduled to resume at 7 a.m. After finishing his first round Theegala will quickly return to the course for his second round.