Theegala opens with 70 at RSM Classic on low-scoring day

Sahith Theegala endured a quiet start at the RSM Classic, carding an even-par 70 to sit T-125 after the opening round at Sea Island. The Indian-American, returning from an injury-hit season, managed just one birdie on his 16th hole before giving it back with a bogey on his final hole.

The RSM Classic uses both the Plantation and Seaside courses for the opening two days. While Seaside typically plays tougher with coastal winds, calm and warm conditions on Thursday produced unusually low scoring.

Doug Ghim flirted with a 59 at Seaside before settling for a 10-under 60, tying the course record and sharing the lead. At Plantation, Davis Thompson and Rico Hoey matched the day’s best with 62s.

Andrew Putnam and Andrew Novak each shot 61 at Seaside to sit one back. Novak returned for his first start since the TOUR Championship — and first since becoming a father.

Ghim, who began the week at No. 125 in the FedExCup standings, delivered exactly the start he needed in the final event of the Fall.

Rookie Johnny Keefer rebounded from a rough opening stretch with seven birdies in his last 10 holes for a 65, leaving him T-23 and still in the hunt for a late-season push toward a Masters invitation.

Photo – PGA Tour