Sahith Theegala gets Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption at The Genesis

Field Level Media|published: Fri 13th February, 13:27 2026

Feb 8, 2026; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; Sahith Theegala of the United States tees off on hole 3 during the final round of the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images

Tournament host Tiger Woods announced Sahith Theegala as the recipient of the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption into the Genesis Invitational.

Theegala, 28, will compete in the tournament from Feb. 19-22 at The Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.

The Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption is awarded annually to "a deserving golfer from a minority background," according to the Genesis Invitational.

"During Charlie's playing days, all he wanted was an opportunity to compete with the best players in the world so he could showcase his game, and Sahith shares those same characteristics," Woods said. "I am proud to welcome Sahith to the field for the Genesis Invitational, a tournament that shares a lot of meaning for us both."

Born to parents who immigrated from India, Theegala was raised in Chino Hills, Calif. He became one of the sport's top amateurs while attending Pepperdine, and he made his PGA Tour as a sophomore in college at The Riviera Country Club in 2017 via exemption by virtue of his Collegiate Showcase victory.

"Receiving this special invitation from Tiger is an honor," Theegala said. "The Genesis Invitational has played an important role in my journey to the PGA Tour, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to compete in Charlie's memory."

Theegala won the 2023 Fortinet Championship for his lone victory on the PGA Tour. He is 92nd in the current Official World Golf Ranking.

--Field Level Media