Erik Williams-Imagn Images

$20 Million Golfer Abruptly Withdraws From PGA Championship

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated May 14, 2025 6:13 PM ET

The PGA Championship is set to begin on Thursday and run through Sunday at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Heading into the PGA Championship, the top two betting favorites are Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 golfer in the world rankings and Rory McIlroy, fresh off winning the Masters.

A few other names at the top of the betting odds, per ESPN BET, include Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.

As the competitors prepare to compete in the major championship, the official social media account of the PGA Championship shared disappointing news with fans.

"Sahith Theegala has withdrawn from the 2025 PGA Championship due to a neck injury," posted the PGA Championship.

Sahith Theegala has withdrawn from the 2025 PGA Championship due to a neck injury.

Alex Smalley is now in the field.
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 14, 2025

Upon the removal of Theegala came the addition of Alex Smalley in the PGA Championship pool just one day before the major event.

The American golfer is currently ranked at No. 120 in the world rankings. So far this season, Smalley has earned $1.37 million.

Smalley last competed in the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic from May 8 to May 11. He was tied as the fifth ranked golfer of the tournament and brought home a $154.5 purse.

Several other tournament Smalley has competed in this year are the Sony Open in Hawaii, The American Express, the Corales Puntacana Championship, THE CJ Cup Byron Nelson and THE PLAYERS Championship

Theegala also previously withdrew from the Truist Championship on Sunday. The No. 31 golfer in the world will have a chance to rehab his neck injury, missing the entirety of the PGA Championship.

While missing the major is an unfortunate blow for Theegala and his team, it seemed like a decision that needed to be made for the health of the American golfer.

Theegala joined the PGA Tour in 2022 and has since earned $20 million in earnings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: