Tiger Woods announces Sahith Theegala as recipient of 2026 Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption at The Genesis Invitational

Theegala will join the field at The Riviera Country Club, Feb. 19-22.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Tournament host Tiger Woods has announced Sahith Theegala as the recipient of the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption into the 2026 The Genesis Invitational. Theegala, a rising professional golfer, will compete in the tournament that continues Sifford's legacy of recognizing players whose journeys reflect the power of opportunity, perseverance and progress in the game of golf.

Why it matters

The Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption aims to provide opportunities for minority golfers to showcase their talents on the PGA TOUR. Theegala's selection highlights his own perseverance and accomplishments, mirroring Sifford's journey, and will help inspire the next generation of diverse golfers.

The details

Theegala, born in Fullerton, California to Indian immigrant parents, was introduced to golf by his father at a young age and became an accomplished junior and collegiate golfer. He made his PGA TOUR debut as an amateur at The Riviera Country Club in 2017 and has since established himself as one of the game's top rising professionals, with one career win, 100 made cuts, and 24 top-10 finishes on the PGA TOUR.

  • Theegala will compete in the 2026 The Genesis Invitational, Feb. 19-22.
  • Theegala made his PGA TOUR debut as an amateur at The Riviera Country Club in 2017.

The players

Tiger Woods

Tournament host of The Genesis Invitational and 15-time major champion.

Sahith Theegala

The recipient of the 2026 Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption, a rising professional golfer with Indian immigrant roots who has established himself on the PGA TOUR.

Charlie Sifford

The first African American to play on the PGA TOUR, whose legacy and perseverance is honored by the exemption that bears his name.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Tiger Woods, Tournament host (pgatour.com)

“Receiving this special invitation from Tiger is an honor. 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.”

— Sahith Theegala (pgatour.com)

What’s next

Theegala will compete in the 2026 The Genesis Invitational at The Riviera Country Club, Feb. 19-22.

The takeaway

The Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption continues to provide meaningful opportunities for minority golfers like Sahith Theegala, whose journey and perseverance reflect the values that Sifford championed. Theegala's selection highlights the progress being made in diversifying the sport of golf and inspiring the next generation of players.