PGA Championship contender shouldn’t even be playing as he takes advantage of rival’s woes
Alex Smalley Seizes Unexpected PGA Championship Opportunity After Theegala’s Withdrawal”
“From Alternate to Contender: Alex Smalley’s Stunning Start at the PGA Championship”
“PGA Championship: Alex Smalley Takes Advantage of Theegala’s Injury to Surge Up the Leaderboard”
“Alex Smalley’s Fairytale PGA Start: From Alternate to T4 After Theegala’s Withdrawal”
“Smalley Capitalizes on Theegala’s Misfortune to Shine at PGA Championship” Alex Smalley, initially an alternate for the PGA Championship, seized an unexpected opportunity after Sahith Theegala’s withdrawal due to a neck injury. With just hours to prepare, the North Carolina native stormed into contention at Quail Hollow, finishing Thursday’s round tied for T4 on the leaderboard. Smalley’s stellar performance included a series of birdies and a stunning 70-foot eagle putt. Despite his success, Smalley expressed sympathy for Theegala, acknowledging the unfortunate circumstances. With three shots off the lead, Smalley’s fairytale start sets the stage for an exciting finish.
Alex Smalley PGA Championship
Sahith Theegala withdrawal
Quail Hollow PGA Championship
PGA Championship 2025
Alex Smalley T4 leaderboard
PGA Championship surprises
Unexpected PGA performance
PGA first alternate success
Golf eagle putt
Golf leaderboard PGA Championship
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PGA Championship contender Alex Smallley makes the most of unexpected opportunity. Alex Smallley wasn’t even sure he would be playing in the PGA Championship just 24 hours before the tournament began. As an alternate, his chances of competing at Quail Hollow hinged on another player withdrawing. That player turned out to be Sahit Thala, who was forced to pull out due to a persistent neck injury that had already sidelined him during the Truist Championship the previous week. With the Gala’s Misfortune, Smallley, who was ranked first alternate, was suddenly in the game. The 28-year-old North Carolina native seized the opportunity, moving from a backup spot to a surprising T4 position on the leaderboard after Thursday’s round. Small’s performance was all the more impressive given the circumstances. He had only a slim chance of playing until Wednesday afternoon. I prepared just like any other week, Smallley said after his remarkable opening round. Being the first alternate, it was tough not knowing if I’d even get in. Every hour that passed, I was losing hope, especially hearing about everyone’s ailments. Despite the uncertainty, Small remained focused and capitalized on the chance he was given. Starting on the back nine, he produced a scorching stretch of three birdies over just four holes. Although he dropped two shots on the difficult par4 holes on the front nine, he quickly bounced back, sinking a 70 ft eagle putt on the par 57th. Small then made a short birdie putt on the par4 8th and finished with a par on the infamous par4 9th, ending the day just three shots behind leader Jonat in Vegas. While Smallley celebrated his unexpected success, he did express sympathy for Thala, acknowledging that the withdrawal had impacted both players tournaments. However, he couldn’t deny his excitement at the turn of events.
