Pepperdine's Sahith Theegala finishes the Genesis Open 2-under
19 Feb 2017
by Sam Dostaler of AmateurGolf.com
see also: Sahith Theegala Rankings
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Pepperdine sophomore Sahith Theegala
(Pepperdine Athletics Photo)
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA (February 19, 2017) -- A long but memorable week has come to an end for Sahith Theegala. After making it into the Genesis Open field on Monday with a win in the Collegiate Showcase the Pepperdine sophomore has finished his week at Riviera Country Club 2-under and in a tie for 49th.
Playing in his first PGA Tour event, Theegala was part of numerous early morning restarts after over three inches of rain on Friday wrecked havoc on the weekend schedule. However, none of it fazed the 2016 West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year as he put together rounds of 67-73-71-71.
During his 4-under 67 Thursday first round Theegala started on the 10th hole and got his tournament off to resounding start with an eagle on the par-5 11th.
In the final two rounds Theegala played a pair of even-par rounds while teeing it up alongside Phil Mickelson and J.B. Holmes.
"I was trying to stay in my own game, but at the same time I was definitely admiring Phil," Theegala told the Southern Golf Association. "Some of the shots he hit today were unbelievable. And he's just as good of a guy as everyone says he is, maybe even better. The experience playing with him is something I'll never forget."
Beginning the final round on the backside Theegala, who made sure he got a picture with Mickelson at the end of tournament, birdied the opening hole before rolling in additional birdies on the 13th and fourth holes. Those birdies were offset by three bogeys.
Despite the long week there is no rest for the weary. Theegala left directly after his round to join the rest of his Pepperdine team in Coachella Valley to get ready for tomorrow's The Prestige at PGA West.
"I'm definitely tired, but I'm pumped to play tomorrow too," said Theegala. "I kind of hit a wall those last few holes energy wise, but it was still a blast coming down the stretch knowing it was the end of my PGA Tour experience for now. But I'll definitely get a few hours of sleep in the car."
2017 marked the third time that the Genesis Open extended a qualifying spot to a collegiate player through the Monday showcase event. Will Zalatoris of Wake Forest won the inaugural event in 2015 while last year the title was claimed by Charlie Danielson of Illinois.
-The SCGA contributed to this story