Theegala making most of exemption

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. Sahith Theegala made up for a messy finish Friday morning in the suspended first round of the PGA Phoenix Open in a hurry — and kept on going.

Making his tournament debut on a sponsor exemption, Theegala shot a 7-under 64 to take a twostroke lead over defending champion Brooks Koepka and Xander Schauffele at firm, fast and fanpacked TPC Scottsdale.

“Just thankful that I’m here and trying to make the most out of the opportunity,” said Theegala, at 12under 130 heading into the weekend. “No expectations at all, honestly.”

Koepka shot his second straight 66. He’s the last player to win the event in his first appearance, doing it in 2015 for his first PGA Tour title.

Canadian Adam Hadwin was in a group at 8-under after a secondround 68.

Theegala had the lead Thursday night at 7 under when darkness suspended play. The 24-year-old, ranked 318th in the world, resumed play on the par-4 eighth by missing a par putt.

“I wasn’t too upset about the way it started,” Theegala said. “I had a 15-footer to start the day, so I was like, ‘OK, just put a good roll on it and see what happens.’ I put a good roll, just missed.”

Trying to become the first player to win on a sponsor exemption since Martin Laird in 2020, the sixfoot-three Theegala grew up in Chino Hills, Calif. and starred at Pepperdine. In 2020, he swept the three major college player of the year awards.