Theegala adds star power to Capital.com Australian Open field

Media Release:

Sahith Theegala is the latest international star to join the entry list for the Capital.com Australian Open, with the PGA Tour winner set to make his championship debut at Kingston Heath Golf Club in December.

The American’s confirmation further strengthens a star-studded field that includes two-time Masters champion Rory McIlroy, Australian stars Adam Scott, Cam Smith and Lucas Herbert, and former Stonehaven Cup winner Joaquin Niemann.

Theegala has established himself as one of the PGA Tour’s most exciting players since earning his card in 2022, claiming his maiden victory at the 2023 Fortinet Championship and finishing third in the 2024 FedExCup.

He has also represented the United States at the Presidents Cup and has reached a career-high No.11 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

“You look at the names of the past winners, the players who have come to Australia and won the Australian Open, and it’s a pretty impressive list,” Theegala said.

“To have the chance to compete for that trophy, in Melbourne, at Kingston Heath, is something I’m really looking forward to.”

While this will be Theegala’s first professional tournament in Australia, he is no stranger to Melbourne or the country’s famous Sandbelt.

As a 22-year-old, he won the Australian Master of the Amateurs at Victoria Golf Club in 2020, finishing four shots clear of the field and adding his name to a prestigious list of past champions.

“I’m really excited to come back to Australia. I had such a memorable experience there as an amateur, winning the Australian Master of the Amateurs in Melbourne in 2020,” Theegala said.

“I turned professional later that year so there’s a bit of a full-circle feeling to coming back now for my first professional tournament in Australia.

“I’ve obviously played a lot of golf and travelled to a lot of places since then, but I’ve always remembered how much I enjoyed my time in Australia and how much I enjoyed the golf.

“I’m particularly excited about Kingston Heath. I’ve heard so many good things about the course and know the Melbourne Sandbelt experience from playing at Victoria Golf Club.

“I love playing different styles of golf courses and having to figure out how to get around them. I think it will be a really good test against a great field headed by Rory.

“I had an awesome experience the last time I was in Melbourne, so hopefully I can come back and make some more good memories.”

Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said Theegala’s addition strengthened an already outstanding Capital.com Australian Open field.

“Sahith has established himself as one of the leading young players in world golf and Australian fans will get a great opportunity to see him up close on one of our great Sandbelt courses,” Sutherland said.

“There is also a nice connection with Melbourne given Sahith won the Master of the Amateurs to complete his amateur career, so it will be great to have him return as a PGA Tour winner and try to be the latest overseas star to claim the Stonehaven Cup.

“With Rory McIlroy, former Australian Open champions in Joaquin Niemann and Adam Scott, Sahith Theegala, Cameron Smith, Lucas Herbert and a host of other outstanding players all coming to Kingston Heath, it’s shaping up to be a very special Australian Open.”

PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said Theegala would add extra interest to a special event on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia schedule.

“Sahith will be a very welcome visitor to our shores as a professional for the first time,” he said.

“We will give him an awesome experience which we hopes to many return visits.”

Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines said: "Tens of thousands of fans will head to our famous Sandbelt this summer, to see some of golf's biggest names.
 
“Golfing fans will fill our restaurants, wineries and hotels - boosting our local visitor economy.”

The Capital.com Australian Open will be played at Kingston Heath Golf Club from December 3-6 and is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour through its Strategic Alliance with the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.

 

 

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