JACKSON, Miss. – In his first weekend contention on the PGA Tour, California rookie Sahith Theegala is handling the pressure and his golf just fine in the Sanderson Farms Championship.
Theegala began the back nine Saturday at Country Club of Jackson with three straight birdies, had an eagle chip spin 360 degrees around the cup and finished with a 5-under-par 67 to take a one-shot lead into the final round at 18-under 198.
Cameron Tringale had a pair of eagles from long range with his putter and his wedge as he matched his career best on the PGA Tour with a 62. He was one shot behind, along with Sam Burns and Denny McCarthy, who each shot a 65.
“Definitely a little nerves in there for sure,” Theegala said. “But I think people have said before pressure is a privilege, and I’m trying to use those nerves to my advantage.”
Will Zalatoris, the rookie of the year last season while playing on unlimited sponsor exemptions, had been tied for the 36-hole lead with Theegala and Nick Watney. Zalatoris didn’t make a birdie over the final 12 holes in the third round as he shot a 72 and fell five shots behind in a tie for 16th.