Despite his absence from competitive golf, Tiger Woods has recently been pretty active in the golf world. He will be hosting the 2026 Genesis Invitational, which will take place next week, starting on February 19. The tournament will be hosted at the Riviera Golf Course and has a total prize pool of $20 million, making it one of the richest on the PGA Tour circuit.
Interestingly, Woods recently used his host status to select the golfer of his choice for the 2026 Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption. This is one of the exemptions offered to deserving golfers from minority backgrounds to compete in the Genesis Invitational. Every year, Woods grants an exemption to a small number of special golfers, and this season, he has awarded it to Sahith Theegala.
NUCLR Golf reported about this with an X post, which read,
“🚨✅🔥 #NEW — Sahith Theegala has been awarded the 2026 Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption by tournament host Tiger Woods, gaining entry into The Genesis Invitational.”
The PGA Tour website also reported on it, and they disclosed what Tiger Woods had to say about the exemption. The senior golfer is pleased with Sahith Theegala and believes he has enormous potential, which is evident in his game. Woods stated,
“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. I am proud to welcome Sahith to the field for The Genesis Invitational, a tournament that shares a lot of meaning for us both.”
Theegala has been in excellent form recently, and he has consistently performed well in all of the tournaments he has taken part in during the 2026 season. He also discussed the Genesis Invitational exemption and how happy he is with it.
Sahith Theegala is thrilled to receive an exemption from Tiger Woods
According to the PGA Tour website, Sahith Theegala discussed receiving the 2026 Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption at the 2026 Genesis Invitational. Theegala stated that it is a great pleasure for him to play in Charlie’s memory, and Tiger Woods’ exemption is a huge honour for him. He stated,
“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.”
Talking more about his 2026 season, here’s a short look at Sahith Theegala’s season:
Sony Open in Hawaii (Waialae Country Club)
- Position: T31
- Overall: 274 (-6)
- Earnings: $49,898
The American Express (Pete Dye Stadium Course)
- Position: T8
- Overall: 267 (-21)
- Earnings: $250,700
Farmers Insurance Open (Torrey Pines – South Course)
- Position: T7
- Overall: 274 (-14)
- Earnings: $301,600
WM Phoenix Open (TPC Scottsdale – Stadium Course)
- Position: T18
- Overall: 275 (-9)
- Earnings: $122,720
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