Theegala wins Fortinet Championship for first PGA Tour title
By Michael Wagaman, The Associated Press on September 17, 2023.
NAPA, Calif. (AP) – Sahith Theegala made more than enough birdies to cover for his mistakes while playing with the lead on Sunday, shooting a 4-under 68 for a two-shot victory at the Fortinet Championship, his first win in 74 starts on the PGA Tour. The 25-year-old Theegala, who began the day with a two-shot lead, pulled away by playing his first five holes in 3 under while being followed by a large, jubilant group of friends and relatives, including his parents. “No matter the good golf or the bad golf, they just have my back. It’s a team win,” Theegala said, his mom and dad by his side on the 18th green. “It’s not just a win for me, it’s a win for the whole family.” Theegala finished with seven birdies and three bogeys, including one after he hit a tee shot that landed in a fairway bunker on a different hole. With a three-shot lead, he hit his drive and his layup into the rough on the par-5 18th hole and tapped in for a six. He finished at 21-under 267. S.H. Kim (68) finished second, and Cam Davis (70) was another shot behind. Justin Thomas had his worst round of the week in his final tune-up for the Ryder Cup in Rome, closing with an even-par 72 to finish six shots back. Max Homa, the two-time defending champion and Thomas’ U.S. teammate, closed with a 69 to tie for seventh. Mackenzie Hughes of Hamilton, Ont., finished in a four-way tie for 52nd at 5 under. — AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf 10-9
