The 2025 season of the PGA Tour has continued this week with the long awaited Valspar Championship. With a field jam packed with talent, round one did not let down with some exciting performances. One in particular from the No. 22 golfer in the world, Sahith Theegala. This season has not gone as expected to date, with his best finish coming at The Genesis Invitational placing in at 17th place. Being eager to put together a complete tournament outing, Theegala got out to a great start Thursday afternoon, finding his way into a deep tie for ninth place headed into round two.
Round One Success
With no top 10 finishes yet in this 2025 season for Theegala, it is only a matter of time before he steps into comfortability. Already showing signs of just that, coming into the tournament with high energy and efficiency. His play in the beginning nine holes, started off steady but needed an extra push. Only one birdie during those holes didn’t do any justice for Theegala, but it did set a fire underneath him.
Coming out on the back nine, Theegala had a very efficient run to end the first round. Totaling in with five birdies, his most important of the day coming on the 15th hole of play. A birdie that propelled Theegala into first place for a short time being, prompting a much deserved response from those in attendance. Although his game took a jump in the right direction, the finish on the last two holes were not so good. With two bogeys back to back, he took himself right out of position to lead heading into day two. Through eight events played, Theegala has made the cut seven times and is looking to extend that number.
The Golden Opportunity
Theegala has one career PGA Tour win under his belt, but can add on his second at the Valspar Championship. It will take continued focus in round two, but with the beginning nine holes of play. A rough patch Theegala found himself in to start out with just that one birdie, but picking it up on the back nine. If he can come out the gate with a continued level of focus, the leaderboard should look to play in his advantage by the end of round two.
As he currently ranks 88th in the Fed-Ex Cup standings with 129 points, those in the golf community are waiting for the breakout of Theegala. Even those like Scottie Scheffler are struggling to find their footing in play, but the beauty of the sport is the ability for more swings. Theegala had himself an all around first round and helped himself out by executing on the fairways. Through the 16th hole, he was able to connect on more than 70 percent of his fairway opportunities. Only helping himself out in the birdie department, an advantage he can use come Friday morning to start things off. It will be an uphill battle for Theegala due to all the talent as well as some expected weather issues. All things the No. 12 golfer in the world, can maneuver through and find success once again.
Main Photo Credit: © Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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