Sahith Theegala Had a Classy Exchange with Justin Thomas After Winning First PGA Tour Event

Theegala and Thomas shared words of encouragement after the Fortinet Championship.

Sahith Theegala already had more than 30 friends and family members waiting to congratulate him after his first PGA Tour victory. But that didn’t stop one more surprise guest at the celebration in Napa. 

Justin Thomas, the two-time major champion and 15-time PGA Tour winner, stuck around for a few additional moments to personally congratulate Theegala on his breakthrough victory at the Fortinet Championship. 

The two young pros were all smiles as they shook hands and exchanged words of encouragement after the round.

Mutual respect 👏@JustinThomas34 was there to congratulate @SRTheegala after his win @FortinetChamp. pic.twitter.com/vPtX2iUbUx

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 18, 2023

“Congratulations, man,” Thomas said. “Well deserved, well earned.”

Theegala—known by his peers as one of the more humble players on Tour—returned the kind remarks, wishing Thomas good luck at the upcoming Ryder Cup. Thomas will compete on the 12-man U.S. squad in Rome at the end of September. The Americans will look to end a 30-year winless drought on European soil.

“Go kick some a-- in a couple of weeks,” Theegala said. 

Sahith Theegala won for the first time on the PGA Tour in front of more than 30 friends and family members.  :: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Thomas finished in solo 5th place at 15 under par, six strokes behind Theegala. 

The victory locks up Theegala's spot in the 2024 PGA Tour signature events and the four major championships. 

“It’s crazy," Theegala said. “Just can’t believe it happened.”