After a decorated golf career at Diamond Bar High School, alumni Sahith Theegala’s success continues at the professional level, taking home his first win on the PGA Tour at the Fortinet Championship in Napa, California. Shooting 4-under 68 with seven birdies and three bogeys, Theegala edged out S.H. Kim to lift his first trophy.
Graduating in 2015, Theegala played on varsity all four years and was recognized as the number-one player on the team since his freshman year. Even before high school, Theegala had already won several tournaments, including a junior championship at just seven years old.
“He was like a young professional golfer,” boys head golf coach Jason Tuck said. “He was very focused, he was friendly, he interacted well with his teammates, and from a golf standpoint was a level above.”
During his time at DBHS, he earned All-Sierra League first-team, Sierra League Athlete of the Year, and League MVP. He also led the Brahmas to league titles all four years and made it to the CIF state tournament as a junior.
“He was a great teammate to all of the players that played with him,” coach Tuck said. “He showed a lot of leadership at a really young age.”
After finishing his high school golf career, Theegala committed to play Division I golf at Pepperdine University, where he would also have an extraordinary career, becoming a three-time All-American, national player of the year, four-time All-Region, and three-time all-WCC first-team. He also had the best scoring average in Pepperdine history–70.61– breaking the record in his freshman year.
Other accolades he won before turning pro were the Nicklaus Award, Hogan Award, and Haskins Award all in one year–one of only five people to achieve that.
After college, he would turn pro in 2020, eventually joining the PGA Tour in 2022. Of the 74 events played, Theegala achieved two runner-up finishes, eight top-five finishes, and 13 top-ten finishes before winning the Fortinet Championship. He currently has a 0.788 fielding average and a 68.98 fielding average. He is also ranked 29th in the official world golf rankings.
“I’m unbelievably proud, it is absolutely amazing what he has done,” coach Tuck said. “But now finally winning his first event at the Fortinet Championship…it was the greatest achievement of anyone I have ever coached.”
Taking home his first PGA Tour win in front of thirty-plus friends and family, his win would secure him a spot in the Master’s Tournament and entry into the Sentry Tournament of Champions.
“It was a pleasure coaching him,” coach Tuck said. “He’s the greatest kid I have ever coached, and I am very proud to have known him.”