Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

India heritage helps 23-year-old Theegala find US PGA success

India heritage helps 23-year-old Theegala find US PGA success

SAHITH THEEGALA credits his India heritage and his hard-working parents with helping him find success as a rookie on the US PGA Tour.

The 23-year-old American enters this week's Shriners Children's Open at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas after sharing eighth at last weeks' Sanderson Farms Championship, his first top-10 finish.


World number 369 Theegala led or shared the lead after each of the first three rounds in Mississippi and while he faded at the end, the effort was a turning point for his career.

"Just that experience on Sunday, final group, it's something I'm going to carry on for the rest of my career," he said on Wednesday (6). "Just really staying in the moment and grinding through it all, it was a blast.

"Having that experience in the back of my mind is really going to prepare me well for the next time I'm in that position."

Theegala began playing golf at the age of six and won his first junior event, a hint the prodigy might have a future in the sport, but it was the efforts of his parents he says launched his career.

"Very proud of my heritage and my background," Theegala said. "Both my parents were born and brought up in India. I spent a little bit of time in India when I was younger. I haven't really been much recently.

"My dad was the first one to leave India in the family. He went to IIT Madras and then he did grad school at Kansas State. Pretty much came here with nothing, really cool story, really thankful for the opportunity my parents gave me."

His father went to Kansas and then Los Angeles, returned to India to get married and began a family in LA.

"Nobody in my family played sports. It just wasn't a thing," Theegala said. "But my dad when he came to the states, he ran some marathons and played some cricket and did all kinds of stuff, but he loved watching sports.

"So when I was young he would always have sports up on the TV. The three main ones were basketball, golf and cricket. So I got into basketball and golf, because, America.

"We found out pretty quickly that I was really good at golf, so my father, he found a way with no background or knowledge to get me to the next level."

Resilient heritage

That relied upon boosting his mental toughness.

"My parents raised me to be resilient and not to let your guard down at any point and if you have an opportunity, might as well make the most out of it," Theegala said.

"One of the main things is just seeing my parents' journey to the states and how they managed to raise me and my younger brother and give us such a good life.

"The hardships that they went through and the hardships some other family went through in India... keeping that in the back of my mind has really grounded me as a person. I'm really blessed and thankful that my parents and grandparents put me in this position to be able to succeed.

"I definitely think that Asian heritage part is a big part of why I've reached this point."

Theegala said he would love to play in India at some stage.

"I've never actually brought my golf clubs over there," he said. "I played when I was maybe 11 or 12 with a rental set. But I would love to come over there and play because I have so much of my family over there still and it would be really cool."

(AFP)

More For You

Aaradhya Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan says Aishwarya Rai is fully responsible for Aaradhya’s upbringing

Getty Images

Abhishek Bachchan praises Aishwarya Rai for raising Aaradhya without phone or social media

Quick highlights:

  • Abhishek Bachchan credits Aishwarya Rai for taking the lead in daughter Aaradhya’s upbringing.
  • Says Aaradhya, now 13, has no phone and stays away from social media.
  • Calls Aishwarya “selfless” for prioritising parenting over everything else.
  • Slams online gossip surrounding their marriage as baseless and insensitive.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan has dismissed recent speculation around his marriage with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, instead shining a light on her unwavering dedication as a mother. In a recent chat, he spoke warmly about their 13-year-old daughter Aaradhya, revealing that she neither owns a mobile phone nor uses social media, something he attributes to Aishwarya’s hands-on parenting.

 Aaradhya Bachchan  Aaradhya Bachchan has no access to social media or a personal phoneGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Nintendo Switch 2 demand exceeds

To address the ongoing demand, Nintendo is working to increase production

iStock

Nintendo Switch 2 demand exceeds supply globally, says company president

Key points

  • Nintendo Switch 2 demand outstripping supply in several countries
  • Over 2.2 million applications submitted in Japan’s lottery sales
  • Nintendo held four purchase draws, with a fifth scheduled for early July
  • Company aims to strengthen production and supply to meet demand
  • Switch 2 had the biggest launch in Nintendo history

Strong demand leads to shortages

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has confirmed that demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 has surpassed available supply in many regions. Speaking during the Q&A session of the company’s 85th annual general meeting of shareholders, Furukawa addressed concerns about ongoing stock shortages.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh in a still from Lootera that captured his most restrained performance

Twelve years of 'Lootera': 5 reasons Ranveer Singh’s most understated role still holds up

Quick highlights:

  • Ranveer’s subtle performance in Lootera marked a major shift from his usual high-energy roles.
  • The 1950s-set romantic drama became a career milestone for the actor.
  • His restrained, emotionally complex portrayal earned long-term critical acclaim.
  • The film showcased a successful collaboration with director Vikramaditya Motwane.
  • As Dhurandhar builds buzz, Lootera reminds us of Ranveer’s range.

Twelve years ago, Ranveer Singh surprised audiences with Lootera, a period romance that asked him to do something unfamiliar: stay still. Set in 1950s Bengal and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film gave Ranveer the space to deliver one of his most subdued and mature performances. No outbursts. No spectacle. Just quiet heartbreak.

  Lootera released in 2013 and marked a stylistic shift for Ranveer Singh Prime Video  

Keep ReadingShow less
Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches

The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches

iStock

Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches after 20 years

Key points

  • Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
  • The chain made the announcement via social media
  • Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
  • Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments

All branches are permanently closed

Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.

Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case
Bhim Kohli

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case

THE seven-year prison sentence handed to a 15-year-old boy convicted of the manslaughter of 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli is to be reviewed under the UK’s Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Friday (5) that the teenager’s sentence will now be considered by the Court of Appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less