About this episode
PGA Tour winner and the 12th-ranked player in the world, Sahith Theegala, joins Smylie Kaufman for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with his love for breakfast burritos and the game of chess. After discussing Sahith's various chess strategies, he and Smylie move to a discussion about how that mindset impacts the way he plays golf. Sahith breaks down his course management strategy depending on the nature of the competition, and also analyzes swing changes he's made in the past year. Along the way, Sahith - in the most lighthearted and grateful way possible - lists a series of grievances he has with PGA Tour life. 00:00:12 What he's up to on his off week 00:02:28 His go-to food/coffee spot at home 00:04:04 Discussing "Java Burrito" in Hilton Head 00:05:56 Sahith's skill and love for the game of chess 00:13:26 Comparing chess and golf strategy 00:15:27 Visualizing good golf shots 00:21:51 Finding a way to shoot a score without your best stuff 00:26:56 The game strategy involved in choosing targets for approach shots 00:30:10 Keeping your "team" consistent upon arriving on the PGA Tour 00:34:13 Sahith goes on a metal spikes rant! 00:36:45 How does match play strategy differ from stroke play 00:40:50 How much space has the Presidents Cup occupied in Sahith's mind this year 00:47:32 Breaking down Sahith's swing changes in the past year 00:53:16 Discussing the leap Sahith has made since arriving on Tour, and his goals for the future