Golf
PHOTOS: Sahith Theegala Optimistic About 2022 Arnold Palmer Invitational Debut
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Fresh off of a week of rest and a practice run of the 18 holes at Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge Tuesday, Sahith Theegala is ready for this weekend’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, and shared that excitement with the media after his walkthrough.
Theegala will be making his 13th start for the season Thursday and is coming off of six consecutive starts after his week off. “Really excited for the week. The week off definitely made me hungry to get here. But the course is in incredible shape. I watched the highlights from the last couple years to kind of get myself ready. It looked really tough and crusty, so I’m ready for that too.”
Sahith Theegala answers press questions at Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge Tuesday, March 1, 2022, before the Arnold Palmer Invitational kicks off in earnest Thursday. (J Willie David III / Florida National News photo)
Theegala acknowledged the historical significance of the Bay Hill course and Arnold Palmer’s legacy. “I never got the honor to meet Mr. Palmer,” he confessed. “But one thing everyone has said about him is how much of a gentleman he is and how much he kind of went out of his way to make you feel like just one of his buddies and stuff like that.
“Obviously seeing all the umbrellas kind of brings back good memories of watching old Mr. Palmer highlights, and obviously the slogan of playing boldly, which you definitely need to do out here.”
Sahith Theegala answers press questions at Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge Tuesday, March 1, 2022, before the Arnold Palmer Invitational kicks off in earnest Thursday. (J Willie David III / Florida National News photo)
When Florida National News asked him about his preparation rituals and if he’ll do anything additional to prepare for his Bay Hill debut, Theegala replied, “I think I’m still learning that as I go because this is only my second invitational, third invitational. The Waste Management and Genesis back to back were definitely the biggest weeks, or best fields, biggest weeks I ever played in.
“I didn’t try and do anything differently. I just tried to prepare as if it was a normal event. Obviously depending on the conditions of the course, sometimes you need a little extra work around the greens or in the rough. But, yeah, just try to treat it like another event and try to enjoy every minute of it because pretty much every aspect of this tournament has been really cool so far and it’s just been Tuesday.
“Looking forward to the rest of the week. No expectations or pressure or anything like that.”
Sahith Theegala answers press questions at Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge Tuesday, March 1, 2022, before the Arnold Palmer Invitational kicks off in earnest Thursday. (J Willie David III / Florida National News photo)
Reflecting on his most recent golf matches this past fall and points of improvement, he said, “I think I’m still trying to do the same thing and get better. Even if it’s .0001 percent better every day, week, hour, whatever it is, I think as long as I’m focused on that.
“My team has obviously helped me get to this point too. But as long as I’m focused on that kind of progression, I’m not too worried about the expectations. I think just the work that’s being put in is going to show.”
Theegala tees off at 8:38 a.m. at the #10 tee Thursday and Friday.
___________________________________________
Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – Russell Henley wins his first red cardigan at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, today, along with $4 million of the $20 million prize pool. The red cardigan was first awarded in 2017, in memory of Arnold Palmer who passed the year before. This is Henley’s fifth win on the PGA Tour.
Russell Henley is greeted by his family on the 18th green after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
Henley finished at 11 under par for the four day tournament, carding a 70 today. Collin Morikawa finished in second place at 10 under par. API defending champion, Scottie Scheffler, finished today at 4 under par, tied for 11th place.
Scottie Scheffler tees off at the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
This coming week, the top golfers head to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, for The Players Championship. The winner will walk away with $4.5 million of the $25 million up for grabs. This is the PGA Tour’s largest regular season purse. Stay tuned to www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.
Celebrity
LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge
BELLEAIR, Fla. (FNN) – The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair tees off Wednesday, 11/13 with a Pro-Am featuring WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark. The tournament runs Thursday through Sunday, as the LPGA golfers compete for their share of a $3.25 million purse, while also trying to secure their spot in the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship. It’s the fifth year of competition for this tournament, named after Annika Sorenstam, who is one of just two players to currently have a tournament named after her on the PGA Tour. Proceeds from this tournament benefit the ANNIKA Foundation, which aims to develop, empower, and advance young women around the world through golf and in life.
The ANNIKA Award (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
The field of 120 includes Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, Lydia Ko, Brittany Lincicome, and many more top golfers. Annika Sorenstam will particpate in the Pro-Am, but the appearance of Caitlin Clark has certainly boosted ticket sales, and helped to sell out tickets for the Women’s Leadership Summit, where Clark spoke Tuesday.
Back-to-back hurricanes knocked down 40 trees and left twenty inches of rain on the fairways and greens for days. But the course is ready for this weekend’s tournament.
If you’d like to check out the tournament, visit www.theannika.com for tickets and additional information. Be sure to follow www.FloridaSportsChannel.com and www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.
Entertainment4 days agoJeffery Lorenzo Williams: Defying Limits and Redefining Possibility
Florida4 days agoDavid Jolly Welcomes Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings to 2026 Florida Governor’s Race
Florida4 days agoOrange County Mayor Launches Obama-Style Campaign for Florida Governor, Calling for Unity, Leadership, and Change
Central Florida News4 days ago“Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker” Brings Diversity and Magic to Orlando’s Holiday Stage
Sports1 day agoOsceola Magic Defeat Texas Legends 144-112 on Puerto Rican Heritage Night
