Sahith Theegala calls penalty on himself that could cost millions of dollars

Strokes come at a premium in the $100 million Tour Championship, and Sahith Theegala found himself penalized after calling a rule violation on himself during Saturday’s round at East Lake Golf Club.

On the par-4 third hole, after his drive landed in the right fairway bunker, Theegala hit his second shot onto the green from 149 yards. However, after two-putting from 39 feet, Theegala informed PGA Tour rules official Mike Stiller that he believed he had brushed the sand with his clubhead at the start of his backswing. This action, considered testing the sand, violates Rule 12.2b, resulting in a two-shot penalty.

NBC broadcasters reviewed the slow-motion replay but struggled to see any clear evidence of Theegala touching the sand.

“Wow, I don’t see much there, Dan,” analyst Kevin Kisner remarked to host Dan Hicks. “I’d be arguing with Deuce [lead rules official Mark Dusbabek] again when I got done—‘Give me my two shots back.’”

Dusbabek later explained on the broadcast that Theegala had reported the infraction himself, demonstrating his integrity. He approached the official, stating that he touched the sand.

Subsequently, Dusbabek returned to confirm that video analysis had shown that Theegala had indeed moved sand on his backswing, noting that a “ridge” of sand behind the club was no longer present after the swing. Theegala was informed on the course that the penalty was confirmed.

Competing in his first Tour Championship, the final event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, Theegala, 26, had just made a rare birdie on the par-3 second hole, which put him in sole possession of fourth place at 13 under par. However, the penalty dropped him into a tie for sixth place. If this position holds through Sunday’s final round, the penalty could cost him a difference of $2.875 million in bonus earnings.

Fortunately, Theegala still has time and opportunities to make up for the lost strokes.