Sahith Theegala, a Californian golfer of Indian descent, excelled at the 2026 U.S. Open, moving into the Top-10 with a remarkable three-under 67 round at Shinnecock Hills. Alongside him, Akshay Bhatia and Aaron Rai also showcased strong performances, maintaining their positions in contention for the championship. The trio’s impressive display highlighted the presence of Indian-origin golfers at the challenging tournament, with Wyndham Clark leading the field with a record-setting performance.
Theegala’s exceptional recovery from an initial 72 in the first round to a 67 in the second round showcased his skill and composure on the demanding Shinnecock course. Despite being six shots behind the leader, Clark, Theegala’s performance propelled him into tied-seventh place. Meanwhile, Clark continued to dominate the tournament, setting a new 36-hole scoring record at Shinnecock Hills.
Starting strongly with birdies early in his second round, Theegala displayed resilience throughout the course, finishing the day with a share of seventh place. His consistent play, coupled with late birdies, solidified his position heading into the weekend. Bhatia and Rai also maintained their positions within striking distance of the leaders, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the U.S. Open.
