Sahith Theegala, a redshirt senior on the Pepperdine men's golf team, has returned to the course after a wrist injury that took him off the course for an entire season. We discussed his injury and rehab process, his first college event back and his hopes for his final season:
 
Q: You were dealing with a wrist injury last year. How did it feel this past weekend, playing your first college event after 16 months?
 
A: It was actually pretty insane. I thought, "I've done this my whole life; it's not going to be that different from any other tournament," but the atmosphere is so different at a college event. I played tournaments this summer, but it's different because you're not playing for the team; you're playing for yourself. Just to be back out there felt so good. I almost forget what it felt like. When you're playing for a team, you're almost grinding a little bit harder for the extra stroke. It was a lot of fun.
 
Q: What was the surgery and rehab process like for you?
 
A: The only thing I've had done before was an appendectomy, but this surgery was pretty major. It was a two-part thing, so I had to sit out a long time. The hardest part was having to sit out before surgery, not just post-surgery. It was a lot. It was the longest I've ever been without doing any sort of sport, like even shooting a basketball or playing tennis. Both of the surgeries took about 5 1/2 months to recover from.
 
Q: How is your wrist now and how did it feel this past weekend?
 
A: I know my wrist isn't going to feel like it did before, but the main thing is making sure a similar thing doesn't happen again. So I'm not putting the same stress on my wrist. I've changed a few things in my swing, which has helped me a lot. It feels really good. I don't think it's ever going to be 100 percent, so to speak, but as long as it's relatively pain free, I'm okay with that. 
 
Q: You traveled to Arkansas last year to support the team at the NCAA Championships. What was it like being a spectator?
 
A: It gives a totally new perspective. I hated every minute of it, but I also loved every minute of it because I was there supporting some of my best friends. I got to see what I can improve on in my game and what I can help some of the guys on in their game. It was great; it definitely added a new perspective. I think that's kind of important for me moving forward because I've just been playing and playing. Getting that view was so cool; it was almost more nerve-wracking than playing. I just wanted the guys to do so well, but couldn't do anything about it. I was helpless, but it was a lot of fun too.
 
Q: You were named a preseason All-American even though you have been off the course for a while. What was your reaction when you heard the news?
 
A: It was great. Preseason accolades are tough because it kind of puts expectations on you. I've never been a big 'looking at expectations' guy, so it's awesome that my peers and other coaches realize, "This guy's still got some game." It was cool in that regard for sure, but I'm still putting my head down and doing the same thing. It's not going to change my attitude, but it was really cool. It's always really nice to get accolades like that.
 
Q: As a senior, what are some hopes you have for this season?
 
A: The team we have this year is really good. We've been good the last few years as well, but this one's a national championship contender. Even watching the guys last year in Arkansas, we almost made match play, which is top eight. I think we have a very good shot at competing for the national championship, which is the main goal. Even smaller goals, we're trying to win as much as we can during the regular season. That's something I haven't been a part of very much. I think we've only won three or four team events in my three years here so far. We're trying to get at least that many and just be consistent. Individually, I think it'll all fall into place, but I'm more team focused for sure.
 
Q: What is the best advice you've received during your time at Pepperdine?
 
A: It was definitely from my head coach and all the assistant coaches I've had, which is just taking me to the next level. It's more mental. They basically keep reiterating that the difference between a college golfer and a professional golfer, in terms of skill, isn't really that big. It's all on the mental side; it's thinking that you are good enough, seeing those results, and playing it out. You know your good is good enough to compete with that level, so just go out there and play your game instead of trying to force it. I think that's a big thing when you're not playing well; just salvage what you can. When you're playing well, just take it to the next level. Also, this is going to sound cliché, but just enjoy it. You're never going to play team golf again after college, and you're traveling around the country with four or five of your best friends. You just have to enjoy every moment of it, and it makes it easier to play well.