The second major of the PGA Tour season tees off Thursday, as top golfers from both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf converge at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina for the PGA Championship.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the betting favorite is world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is still chasing his first PGA Championship title. Close behind him with the second-best odds is four-time PGA Championship winner and recent Masters champion Rory McIlroy.
The tournament boasts a star-studded field, and while everything seemed set as of Wednesday, a late shakeup occurred.
Rising PGA star Sahith Theegala was forced to withdraw due to a neck injury, opening the door for Alex Smalley to join the 156-player field.
JUST IN – Sahith Theegala has withdrawn from the PGA Championship with a neck injury.
Get well soon Sahith. 💪 pic.twitter.com/elck7qH5SV
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) May 14, 2025
Fans reacted to the disappointing news of Theegala missing the four-day event:
“That is sad to hear. Alex needs to go on a heater in his honor,” a fan said.
“noooo sahith,” another fan posted.
Someone else added, “Sahith is OUT. Easy to see why he played so poorly last time out now Hope he gets better soon!”
One more fan commented, “Rest up G.”
Sahith Theegala has become a fan favorite in the golf world, but signs of his injury were evident last week at the Truist Championship, where he withdrew before the final round on Sunday.
Though he has yet to win a major, Theegala earned his first PGA Tour victory at the 2023 Procore Championship and followed it up with a strong 2024 season—enough to secure a spot on the U.S. Presidents Cup Team.
Now, after a slow start to 2025, Theegala will shift his focus to recovery. In his place, a prime opportunity has emerged for North Carolina native Alex Smalley.
Related: Charles Barkley Predicts Winner of PGA Championship Without Hesitation
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