As the race for the $100 million continues at the Tour Championship, an unusual incident involving Sahith Theegala occurred on the greens. The golfer received a two-shot penalty during his third round, and interestingly, he reported the incident himself. It was as shocking and unexpected as it could get, and it’s not just us that think so but the golfer’s inner circle does too. Theegala’s girlfriend had something to say about the entire penalty fiasco.

It happened on the 4th hole when Theegala was in a bunker, and while taking a swing, he felt like he might have brushed a few grains of sand during his backswing. The golfer didn’t feel it himself; it only seemed like some sand grains had moved. Even the rules official hadn’t noticed anything unusual, the golfer then went to discuss the situation with Xander Schauffele, who also believed it shouldn’t result in a penalty. The officials reviewed the video and still couldn’t see anything significant.

Nevertheless, Theegala was still given a two-stroke penalty as the rule official thought that he had moved his line of shot without intent. Following that, Sahith Theegala’s girlfriend, Juju, shared a video on TikTok where the golfer explained the situation. Theegala himself called the rule weird and mentioned his hopes of one day being changed. One thing that Theegala proved with this action is that he indeed is a man of “high character and integrity.”

After that, Juju revealed that she later went to ask the rules officials, and they told her that if “he hadn’t said anything or he didn’t know then somebody would come forward later and say something about it and they reviewed it they saw nothing,” the situation might have been different. She further talked about it, saying, “If he hadn’t, his eye test would have shown nothing so he wouldn’t have got the two-shot penalty.”

That’s right, it all happened because the golfer himself pointed it out. There is indeed a rule that suggests touching the sand with your club immediately in front of or behind your ball, during a practice swing, or your backswing is a penalty. However, there was no evidence that it happened in the case of Sahith Theegala. Despite the unfortunate situation, the 26-year-old isn’t feeling bad about it.

Sahith Theegala feels “good” about his decision

Even after getting the two-shot penalty, the golfer had a smile on his face while explaining the whole situation in the video with his girlfriend. After the incident, he talked about it with the PGA Tour, saying, “It was just unfortunate. But I did—pretty sure I breached the rules, so I’m paying the price for it, and I feel good about it.” Theegala said. “At the end of the day, I’m good with the ruling, and I think it’s very fair that I was assessed two shots.”

Even competing at a tournament like the Tour Championship where the pros are vying for the $25 million winner’s share, Theegala decided to keep his honor and self-reported the incident. The golfer’s girlfriend also described him as a “man of integrity.” Following the conclusion of the third round, Sahith Theegala is in 3rd position with a total of 17-under-par.

What are your thoughts on this incident? Do you think he can move up the leaderboard in the final round? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!