Sahith Theegala Shares Lead At Canadian Open After Round One

Sahith Theegala moved into a share of the lead after day one of the RBC Canadian Open. Theegala posted a 6-under 64 at TPC Toronto. The round suggested improving form before next week’s U.S. Open. Theegala’s card also marked one of the strongest starts of the 2026 season.

Theegala finished in a six-way tie for first place on 64. The lead group included Brooks Koepka, Sam Burns, Emiliano Grillo, Eric Cole and Matthew Anderson. The opening leaderboard stayed crowded, with many low scores. Theegala’s round still drew attention for its steady recovery after early pressure.

Theegala began on the 10th hole and faced trouble right away. An approach shot narrowly avoided water, then a chip-in helped limit damage. Theegala then dropped a shot at the 11th. A quick reply followed with a birdie at the 12th, before another birdie at the 18th.

After turning at 2-under, Theegala built momentum on the second nine. Birdies arrived at the first and second holes. Further gains followed at the sixth and eighth holes. Theegala completed a 64 without late mistakes, keeping pace with the leaders as scoring stayed low across the course.

"My whole game felt really nice," he said. "I didn’t strike it that well at the start and my short game really saved me. Once I settled in after a few holes, I started hitting the ball much better and things became a lot more comfortable."

Theegala said scoring did not show the full difficulty at TPC Toronto. Crosswinds moved through the property, and trees affected judgement on many lines. Theegala noted the wind often felt lighter in fairways. Once shots rose above the tree line, gusts could move the ball off target.

Sloping greens also increased the demand on approach play and putting. Theegala described the course as one that required full commitment on each shot. Despite limited headline results in recent weeks, Theegala indicated the overall standard stayed close to a stronger finish.

"I think the results over the last couple of months haven’t been great, but the golf has been there," he said. "You have to stay positive. I’m making a lot of cuts, which means something is working. You just keep believing and keep moving forward."

RBC Canadian Open scores: Sahith Theegala and Brooks Koepka share TPC Toronto lead before U.S. Open

Koepka also reached 64 after birdieing four of the final five holes. Koepka continued a search for a deep PGA Tour run since returning to a fuller schedule. With six players on 64 and a dozen on 65 or better, the event stayed open after the first round.

Among players of Indian origin, Aaron Rai and Sudarshan Yellamaraju opened with 1-under 69s. Canadian qualifier Jeevan Sihota, playing a PGA Tour debut, signed for 1-over 71. For many Indian golf followers, Theegala’s position near the top stood out as the main day-one talking point.