The PGA Championship lost a competitor before even teeing off, with Sahith Theegala being forced to pull out because of a neck injury.
The California native took himself out of contention the day before the start of the tournament and has been replaced by Alex Smalley, who will play Max McGreevy and Sepp Straka in his place.
“Sahith Theegala WD from the PGA Championship with a neck injury; Alex Smalley in,” the Tour announced on Wednesday.
Sahith Theegala WD from the PGA Championship with a neck injury; Alex Smalley in.
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) May 14, 2025
Sahith Theegala Couldn’t Continue In The Truist Championship Last Week
Theegala withdrew from the Truist Championship last week after three rounds because of said injury, having opened with rounds of 69 and 71 at the event in Philadelphia, then dropping to last place in the field with an eight-over 78 on Saturday.
The 27-year-old was ranked No. 31 in the world coming into this week.
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He has just one PGA Tour win, the Fortinet Championship in September 2023, and has finished in the top 10 of one major: the 2023 Masters.
Smalley, his replacement, comes in boasting fine form following a T-5 finish at the Myrtle Beach Classic last week.
The former Duke University student will hope to make an impression in the Championship after making his debut on the PGA Tour at the 2017 U.S. Open.
Smalley, 28, will be playing in his third PGA Championship. He finished T-23 in 2023 but didn’t make the cut last year.
The tournament is underway at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. It features several big names among the 156 contestants, including defending champion Xander Schaufele, Scottie Scheffler, and this year’s Masters winner, Rory McIlroy.
The venue has taken heavy rainfall, but officials have chosen not to permit preferred lies.
