In a weather-interrupted first round at the Phoenix Open, Sahith Theegala emerged as the early leader, shooting an impressive 6-under 65 before play was suspended. Theegala's solid performance came after a lengthy weather delay that forced players to seek shelter and wait out the storm.
Despite the challenging conditions, Theegala remained unfazed. While many players huddled together in the crowded clubhouse at TPC Scottsdale, the 24-year-old golfer opted to retreat to his car for some alone time. While there, he kept warm, enjoyed some music, and engaged in a game of chess on his phone.
The temporary break did wonders for Theegala's focus and composure. As play resumed, he confidently returned to the course and promptly birdied his first hole. The Californian native continued to display precision and skill, carding a series of birdies to secure his position at the top of the leaderboard.
Following his outstanding performance, Theegala expressed optimism about the potential for more impressive scores in the coming days. He acknowledged the upcoming wave of players who had just teed off and anticipated favorable conditions. Although the forecast predicted cold temperatures, he hoped to avoid rain and strong winds that could disrupt play.
The weather proved to be a formidable opponent throughout the day, starting with a chilly morning that quickly escalated to heavy rain and gusty winds. The adverse weather conditions rendered the Stadium Course unplayable, resulting in an interruption of 3 1/2 hours. While some fortunate golfers managed to complete their rounds, the majority of the field will have to resume their first rounds on Friday morning.
Apart from Theegala, a few other players made their mark before the weather delay. Andrew Novak was in hot pursuit of the leader, posting an impressive 5-under score through nine holes. S.H. Kim and Shane Lowry both shot 67, while former world number one Jordan Spieth finished with a solid 68.
Among notable participants, Scottie Scheffler, the two-time defending champion, started his campaign with a solid 1-under through six holes. He aims to replicate the exceptional feat of being the first golfer since Steve Stricker in 2011 to win the same tournament three times consecutively.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, thousands of dedicated fans braved the elements and continued to cheer for their favorite golfers. The energy at the iconic 16th hole remained high, as fans eagerly waited for play to resume after the delay.
Sahith Theegala's strong start at the Phoenix Open builds on his recent success on the PGA Tour. The 2021 Fortinet Championship winner secured his spot in The Sentry to kick off this season. He also achieved a runner-up finish in Maui and a respectable 20th-place finish at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
As the first round reaches its conclusion and the rest of the field continues their pursuit of glory, Theegala remains focused and determined. Despite the unpredictable challenges brought by nature, the young golfer remains confident in his abilities and looks forward to returning to the course and continuing his impressive run.
With the weather conditions expected to improve, the Phoenix Open promises to deliver captivating golf as players battle for supremacy on the challenging TPC Scottsdale layout. As fans and participants eagerly await the outcome, all eyes will be on Sahith Theegala, who aims to maintain his position atop the leaderboard throughout the remainder of the tournament.
