3 Simple Things Sahith Theegala Does That Most Golfers Overcomplicate

This video from Titleist is a few years old but with the way Sahith Theegala has shown what he’s capable of on the PGA Tour, it’s worth going back and taking a closer look at what he’s doing that works.

None of it is complicated. It’s a simple approach and it’s one most golfers could benefit from.

1. He plays his stock shot and builds his targets around it

Theegala isn’t trying to shape the ball both ways depending on the hole. He’s committed to a fade and has built his strategy around it.

He starts with what the ball typically does and then chooses a target that allows for that movement.

For most golfers, this gets flipped. They aim first and then try to force a shape. Forcing a shape can lead to bigger misses.

If you naturally draw the ball, the takeaway isn’t to learn a fade in the middle of your round. It’s to start choosing targets that allow your draw to finish in a good spot.

2. He changes ball flight with setup, not his swing

When Theegala needs a different shot shape, the change happens before the swing.

He describes it as mostly setup-driven. He’ll make small adjustments and then swing the same way.

There’s no attempt to manipulate the club once the swing starts.

That’s what makes it repeatable.

A lot of golfers try to shape the ball during the swing. That turns into a timing issue. Setting up for the shot first keeps things simpler and more consistent.

Read more: How to Shape Iron Shots Without Overhauling Your Swing

3. He thinks about the next shot, not the perfect one

From 225 to 275 yards, Theegala acknowledges how difficult it is to hit the ball exactly where you’re aiming.

Instead of forcing a great shot, he focuses on what comes next.

• Where is the easiest place to get up and down from?
• Where is the miss that creates the most trouble?

Once those are clear, the decision becomes straightforward.

While 225 to 275 yards may be difficult for professionals, amateur golfers may notice that the 175-yard mark is where things get unpredictable. Find your weak spot and then make sure you are thinking about more than just the shot you are hitting.

Final thoughts

There’s nothing complicated about what Theegala is doing. He’s certainly not the only professional golfer doing this but sometimes we all need a reminder of the smarter way to play golf.