Theegala and Yellamaraju Secure Tied-Seventh at Houston Open
Synopsis
Sahith Theegala and Sudarshan Yellamaraju have climbed to a Tied-7 position at the Houston Open, showcasing impressive performances in the third round. With the final day ahead, the competition intensifies as they chase victory and a spot at the Masters.
Key Takeaways
Theegala and Yellamaraju both achieved impressive scores in the third round.
Gary Woodland leads the tournament with a score of 18-under par.
Nicolai Højgaard is in second place, just one stroke behind Woodland.
Woodland is aiming for his first win since his surgery.
The tournament's outcome is crucial for Masters qualification.
Houston, Texas, March 29 (NationPress) — Sahith Theegala and Sudarshan Yellamaraju have ascended to a Tied-7 position following the conclusion of the third round at the Houston Open on the PGA Tour.
Indo-Canadian Yellamaraju delivered an impressive 5-under 65 during the third round, while Theegala recorded a solid 4-under 66. Both players now hold a cumulative score of 10-under par as they approach the final day.
In his third round, Theegala (67-67-66) achieved five birdies alongside one bogey. His birdies were marked on the third, fifth, 10th, 13th, and 17th holes, with the lone bogey occurring on the eighth hole.
Yellamaraju (69-66-65), who performed strongly at the Players Championship (T-5), recorded seven birdies and two bogeys in his third round. His birdies came on the third, fourth, fifth, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 18th holes, while he encountered bogeys on the sixth and ninth holes.
Former U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland also impressed with a third-round score of 5-under 65, giving him a one-stroke advantage heading into the final round. His total score now stands at an impressive 18-under par following rounds of 64-63-65.
In second place is Nicolai Højgaard, who achieved the lowest round of the week (8-under 62) on day two to elevate himself to second place.
Højgaard followed up with a 7-under 63 in the third round, placing him just one stroke behind the leader at 17-under par with one round remaining.
Woodland, who has candidly discussed his mental health challenges, aims to secure his first victory since undergoing surgery for a brain lesion. His last win was at the U.S. Open in 2019.
In a statement after the second round, Woodland remarked that he has been energized by the crowd's support.
After the third round, he expressed, “I’ve just got to take a deep breath, I’ll have a good night to recover and rest, and tomorrow just don’t get ahead of yourself. I’m here, I put myself in this position for a reason, so take a deep breath and maintain what I’m doing.”
This week’s victory is crucial for Woodland, as it represents his only opportunity to qualify for the Masters, set to take place in two weeks.
As for Højgaard, who currently occupies second place, a strong finish is essential for preserving his OWGR ranking of 47 and maintaining his spot at the Masters, while defending champion Min Woo Lee (68-63-67), who is presently in third at 12-under par, is already assured of his entry into the Masters.
Point of View
The ascent of Sahith Theegala and Sudarshan Yellamaraju to a Tied-7 position adds an exciting twist to the tournament. With a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, the final round promises to be competitive as they vie for victory and a coveted spot at the Masters.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Sahith Theegala's score in the third round?
Sahith Theegala scored 4-under 66 in the third round.
How did Sudarshan Yellamaraju perform in the third round?
Sudarshan Yellamaraju carded an impressive 5-under 65.
Who is leading the Houston Open?
Gary Woodland is currently leading with a score of 18-under par.
What does Højgaard need to secure his Masters spot?
Nicolai Højgaard needs a strong finish to maintain his OWGR ranking and secure a spot at the Masters.
When is the Masters scheduled?
The Masters is scheduled to take place in two weeks.
