The 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club, which began on May 15, 2025, was poised to be a defining moment for Sahith Theegala, the world No. 31 golfer and a fan favorite known for his dynamic play and infectious charisma. However, just days before the tournament, Theegala withdrew due to a neck injury that flared up during the Truist Championship, leaving fans and analysts concerned about his health and the trajectory of his promising season.
This article delves into Theegala’s 2025 campaign, the circumstances surrounding his withdrawal, and what lies ahead for the 27-year-old American.
Background Context: Theegala’s Meteoric Rise
Sahith Theegala, a former Pepperdine University standout, has been a rising force on the PGA Tour since turning pro in 2020. His breakthrough came with a 2023 Fortinet Championship victory, and his consistent top-20 finishes—11 in 2024 alone, earned him a spot in the Tour Championship.
Known for his aggressive ball-striking and clutch putting, Theegala has become a symbol of golf’s new generation, with his Indian-American heritage inspiring a diverse fanbase. His T-12 finish at the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla showcased his major championship potential, raising expectations for 2025.
With a T-6 in the Sentry Tournament of Champions and a T-14 at the Masters, where he shot a final-round 66, Theegala had a solid start to the 2025 season. But injuries have stopped him in his tracks. He missed a short break due to a wrist problem in March, and he is currently unable to compete in the second major of the year due to a neck injury that surfaced at the Truist Championship.
JuJu Chan, Theegala’s girlfriend, disclosed on Instagram that he had to race around the back nine and withdrew before the final round on May 11, 2025, after the neck problem flared up during the third round at Philadelphia Cricket Club.
The Withdrawal: What Happened at the Truist Championship?
The Truist Championship, the PGA Tour’s sixth signature event of 2025, was a challenging week for Theegala. After a birdie on the first hole of the third round, his neck pain intensified, leading to a poor performance and a score that dropped him to T-55.
Chan noted that Theegala sought physical therapy immediately after, hoping to recover in time for the PGA Championship. Despite these efforts, the PGA Tour announced on May 14, 2025, that Theegala withdrew, with Alex Smalley replacing him in the field.
Theegala’s withdrawal was one of several at the Truist Championship, where Justin Rose (illness) and Michael Kim (back injury) also exited early. The neck injury’s severity remains unclear, but its timing, just days before the PGA Championship, raises concerns about his preparation for upcoming majors like the U.S. Open and the Open Championship.
Theegala’s team, including his supportive family and “Team Theegala” community, has rallied around him, with fans on X wishing for a speedy recovery.
Analysis: Impact on Theegala’s Season
Theegala’s withdrawal is a significant setback for a player who thrives in high-stakes environments. His T-12 at last year’s PGA Championship demonstrated his ability to compete with golf’s elite, and Quail Hollow’s long, demanding layout suited his driving distance (15th in strokes gained off the tee in 2025).
Missing this opportunity to contend against Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau—fresh off a LIV Golf Korea win—stings, especially as Theegala aimed to build on his Masters performance.
Theegala’s injury history, including the wrist issue earlier this year, underscores the physical toll of the PGA Tour’s grueling schedule. His decision to prioritize recovery over competing with the injured reflects a long-term perspective, a maturity praised by Golf.com’s profile of his family-driven support system. However, with only four weeks until the U.S. Open at Oakmont, Theegala faces a tight timeline to regain full fitness.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Redemption
Theegala’s immediate focus is rehabilitation, with physical therapy likely continuing in the coming weeks. His history of resilience—bouncing back from college injuries to become a PGA Tour winner—suggests he’ll return stronger. Fans can expect him to target the Memorial Tournament in June as a tune-up for the U.S.
Open, where Oakmont’s punishing rough would allow his aggressive style to emerge. Despite temporary difficulties, Theegala’s relationship with his fans, which is strengthened by his mother Karuna’s contribution to the formation of “Team Theegala”, will make his story captivating.
Theegala’s absence from Quail Hollow for the time being allows attention to focus on other candidates, but it will be interesting to follow his rehabilitation. His motto of remaining “present and positive,” as he mentioned in a 2024 Golf Digest interview, will help him overcome this obstacle and move toward better times. Read more Sports News
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