Mongolian Reversal? Sahith Theegala Explains Meaning Behind Phrase At Presidents Cup
The American won his Presidents Cup four-ball match on Thursday and, following the victory, coined a phrase that many hadn't heard before...


The USA dominated the first day of proceedings at the Presidents Cup, with the US team securing a clean sweep of 5-0 over the International side at Royal Montreal.
Although they are 5-0 up, you could argue that it was still tighter than the score suggests, with the highest scoring match being 3&2, and three of them being just 1-up results.
One of those 1-up matches involved American, Sahith Theegala who, following his victory alongside Collin Morikawa, came out with the statement: "Match play is a funny, funny thing. There's always some Mongolians and things go the way that you don't think it would go." This led to many wondering what he meant by "Mongolians", and now the 26-year-old has explained the meaning.
Speaking on Thursday, Theegala stated: "I heard them (media & players) laughing when I said that. I realize I didn't say the full phrase. Not race intended or country intended, but Mongolian reversal, I don't even know how it originated. The first time I heard it was actually Fred Couples, a long time ago when I was watching TV.
"I guess it's just when your opponents are in a better place than you on the hole and you do something cool like make a long putt. It looks like your opponents were going to win the hole when you hit the approach shot in, but you make the long putt and they miss the short putt, and all of a sudden looking like you're losing the hole to winning the hole. Thank you for asking to clarify that. Mongolian reversal, yes. Don't cancel me, please."
Essentially, the saying means that the pendulum and momentum seemed to be going the way of one side, but snapped back to the other team after a big moment, such as a long putt or chip-in. Certainly, on Thursday, the US did produce a number of moments that stopped the International team in their tracks.
A post shared by PGA TOUR (@pgatour)
A photo posted by on
One moment that definitely got fans and players talking on Thursday involved Tom Kim and playing partner, Sung-Jae Im, who were accused of being "disrespectful” during their opening four-ball matchup against Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
In the match, the drama had already started on the seventh hole when Kim holed his lengthy putt and Scheffler followed him in, consequently shouting “what was that?!” towards Kim.
However, on the next, the International pair birdied the eighth and walked off 60 yards to the ninth tee box before Scheffler had a chance to attempt his birdie putt. The moment was described by commentator, Paul McGinley, as “bordering on bad behavior”, whilst American vice-captain, Kevin Kisner, reportedly “had some words” with International vice-captain, Camilo Villegas.
Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
-
Legendary Short Game Instructor Dave Pelz Dies Aged 85
The renowned short game expert, who coached multiple Major winners, passed away at the age of 85, with the golf world paying their respects to Pelz
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Houston Open Tee Times 2025: Rounds One And Two
Rory McIlroy is in the early-late wave this week in Houston, while Scottie Scheffler is on the opposite side of the draw
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Houston Open Tee Times 2025: Rounds One And Two
Rory McIlroy is in the early-late wave this week in Houston, while Scottie Scheffler is on the opposite side of the draw
By Elliott Heath Published
-
‘You Don’t Want 10-Year-Old Kids Punting Their Putters Across The Green Every Time They Miss A Putt’ - Rory McIlroy Says Tour Pros Have ‘Responsibility’ To Set Good Example After Recent Viral Clips Showcasing Players’ Frustrations
Speaking at the Texas Children's Houston Open, McIlroy explained how displaying emotion on the course shows the pros 'are human', but there's also a 'responsibility to set an example'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'The Loss Of A Few Trees Is Definitely Noticeable' - Rory McIlroy On What He Learned From Augusta National Practice Round Ahead Of 2025 Masters
The four-time Major winner made a trip to Augusta National earlier this week in preparation for The Masters
By Elliott Heath Published
-
‘It’s The Craziest Thing In The History Of Sport What Tiger Woods Did’ - Brandel Chamblee Questions 15-Time Major Winner’s Swing Changes During Peak Of Career
Speaking on the Dan on Golf podcast, Chamblee claimed that Woods' move to coach, Hank Haney, in 2004 was one of the 'craziest things in the history of sport'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
‘Give The Lad A Break. He’s A Very Good Caddie. Harry, Don’t Read The S****’ - Billy Foster On Critics Of Rory McIlroy’s Caddie
The experienced looper has spoken out and defended McIlroy's caddie, Harry Diamond, with Foster claiming the 'criticism is not fair at all'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Why Billy Horschel's TGL Performance Has Convinced Me He Should Be At The Ryder Cup
The eight-time PGA Tour winner has only ever been present in a Presidents Cup team but, following his performance in the final of the TGL, I believe Horschel must be on the US side for Bethpage Black
By Matt Cradock Published
-
‘I Lost My Cool And It’s Unacceptable’ - Patton Kizzire Sorry For Valspar Championship Putter Kick
The three-time PGA Tour winner has apologized for his actions at the Valspar Championship, with Kizzire claiming 'I'm looking forward to being a better version of myself'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Texas Children's Houston Open Payout 2025
There's a big prize money payout on offer at this week's Houston Open, with seven-figure checks going to the top two finishers at Memorial Park
By Elliott Heath Published