Sahith Theegala: A Rising Golf Star with Family Support
Sahith Theegala is making waves in the professional golf world, and behind his success is the unwavering support of his family. His journey to prominence began in 2017 when he started playing golf, turned pro in 2020, and secured his PGA Tour card in 2022. The pinnacle of his career so far was winning the 2023 Fortinet Championship, his first PGA Tour victory.
Proud of his son’s achievements, Sahith’s father expressed his joy to reporters, stating, “I’m so proud of him; this goes a long way for his career. Feeling confident that he could do it on his own, he doesn’t have to depend on others. I think this is why I was proud of him—that I knew he could do it.” In response, Sahith credited his father for his success, saying, “My dad’s the reason I’m here today; he and my mom did such a good job of learning how to almost hybrid parent between this Indian culture and American culture and let me play sports.”
The journey of Sahith Theegala’s parents, Muralidhar and Karuna, is an inspiring tale of determination and support. Muralidhar, originally from India, moved to the United States in 1987 to pursue his master’s in engineering. Despite his initial involvement in various sports, golf was not on his radar until a friend introduced him to the sport while working in Los Angeles. It was during this time that he met Karuna, Sahith’s mother, and they started their family.
Sahith was born in Fullerton in 1997, and the family later settled in Chino Hills, where he grew up surrounded by love and support. Karuna, known for her culinary skills, ensured that their family and friends were always well-fed and cared for. However, their journey was not without challenges, as Karuna battled cancer, and her mother, Vijaya Laxmi, moved to the States to help raise the children.
Despite facing racial discrimination in the golfing world, Sahith remained resilient, thanks to the unwavering support of his family. He shared, “In light of what’s going on, I’m proud of who I am and what I’m adding to the golf community in terms of diversity. Hopefully, there is some inspiration behind that for people who watch me and realize that you don’t have to be a stereotypical white golfer.”
Sahith’s father played a crucial role in introducing him to golf at a young age, and his talent was evident early on. By the age of 11, he was already showing signs of being a prodigy, winning multiple junior championships. His father’s unwavering support and presence at his tournaments fueled Sahith’s passion for the sport.
Despite facing challenges like a wrist injury during his college years at Pepperdine University, Sahith persevered with the support of his family. His decision to stay close to home was influenced by personal factors, allowing him to be near his loved ones during tough times. The support of his parents was evident during his tournaments, where they cheered him on and provided comfort in defeat.
In conclusion, Sahith Theegala’s rise in the golfing world is a testament to the power of family support and resilience in the face of adversity. His parents, Muralidhar and Karuna, played a pivotal role in shaping his career and instilling in him the values of hard work and determination. As Sahith continues to make his mark in the golfing world, his family stands proudly by his side, celebrating his successes and providing unwavering support along the way.