It was almost nirvana for Sahith Theegala at the Sanderson Farms Championship. If “almost” was a trophy, perhaps Theegala would probably be smiling home to the bank, but unfortunately, there is no trophy for almost. Just three shorts shy of Sam Burns and perhaps the story will have been different. Theegala will live to try again. However, we must talk about the impressive climb to eighth place for the racially assaulted Indian-American. In all of this, fans want to know how Sahith Theegala parents motivated him to push on despite having unfavorable circumstances.
Let’s look at facts about the golfer you probably never knew about.
#1. Sahith Theegala is a Professional Golfer
Theegala is an Indian-American professional golfer and has had a long ride to the 15th US PGA. The dark-skinned Indian was born on December 4, 1997, in Orange, California, USA. He is relatively young if we factor in the average age of successful golfers we have today. But if there is one thing Sahith has, it is his relentless ability. Though born in the United States, Theegala has not forgotten his roots. He had his education at Pepperdine University. Today, he is living his dream of becoming one of the best golfers around. And to think that he is just starting out makes his story all the more interesting.
#2. Sahith Theegala Parents Migrated From India
Sahith Theegala parents moved to the USA to develop their careers. Theegala’s father Muralidhar Theegala was originally from India. He married his wife, Karuna Theegala in the United States after deciding to pursue greener pastures. They have two children. Sahith is the oldest of them. The younger son is Sagan Theegala.
#3. Sahith Theegala Parents Support Him Heavily
In a sport that is as individualistic as golf, you have to work twice as hard to become one of the elites. To become a golfer to reckon with, one would have to beat the people who are ahead of you. These people who you are supposed to eclipse are remarkably good too. So, you must constantly be on your toes to beat them. One thing Sahith has going for him is, he has his parents who are ever present to support him. Not just his parents, his relatives also come around to watch him play golf.
#4. Sahith Had Racism Challenges
One problem that is still plaguing the world is racism. It may look like it is getting abolished but somehow the fabric has been woven into people’s hearts and it will take a long time before it becomes extinct. For Sahith, having dark skin meant that he was going to be subjected to racism. When Sahith’s father moved to the US in 1987 for his graduate school, he didn’t think he was going to get married in time and even give birth. But everything happened so fast.
Seeing his son’s talents, Muralidha tried to help his son fast track his development by placing him in a private school. But every attempt made to get his son into a private school proved futile because of his race. In fact, one of the times Sahith tried enrolling in a golf club, he was turned down by a representative of the club because of his skin color. It is true that Tiger Woods’ success changed the narrative a bit, but it didn’t help with diversity as racial discrimination was already inbuilt.
In an interview with The New York Times, Sahith said
“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. Ultimately, we’re all trying to do the same thing in pro golf and that’s make a successful career. 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.”
#5. Sahith Theegala’s Parents Did Not Pressure Him To Succeed
One thing Sahith will be grateful for is the exposure to different sports by his parents. He started off by watching basketball. As early as when he was two, he became a fan of The LA Lakers.
Sahith then was introduced to golf when he was three. Seeing his impressive natural ability, Muradliha, Sahith’s father, helped him hone his skills. Theegala won his first tournament as a kid in San Diego.
#6. Private Golf Clubs Refused to Sign Him Because of His Race
Despite the fact that the talent was obviously there, private clubs refused to sign Sahith. So he had to get in by winning the competitions he participated in. With that determination to get into private clubs, by all means, Theegala won every age-grade competition he participated in.
#7. Sahith Theegala is Not Married
We know he has a girlfriend, though she still remains behind the curtains. He is not married yet. Theegala is quite private about his relationships. He is a private person who prefers to keep things about his personal life away from the media.
#8. Sahith Theegala is On Social Media
Oh yes, he is. Sahith Theegala is on Instagram where has accumulated quite a number of followers. However, we do not know if he is on other social media platforms.
Conclusion
One thing you can count on is support from your loved ones in whatever you are doing that is positive. This is what Sahith Theegala parents have provided for their son and this is why he is thriving. Sahith is only 24 years, there is still room for him to break all the available records.
