In a remarkable display of talent and perseverance, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, a 24-year-old golfer from Mississauga, Ontario, made waves on the opening day of the RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. The self-taught golfer, who learned the intricacies of the game through YouTube videos, carded a respectable one-under par 69, showcasing his unique journey to the PGA Tour.
A Unique Journey to the PGA Tour
Yellamaraju’s ascent in professional golf is anything but ordinary. Born in Visakhapatnam, India, his family relocated to Winnipeg when he was just a young child. With no formal coaching, he turned to online resources, studying the swings of renowned players like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. “I watched just whatever I could and just tried to see what worked,” he shared after his round. “I still have a lot of my own characteristics or my own feels in the way I’m playing. It may not be the most conventional way, but I kind of figured it out.”
This unconventional route has not hindered his progress; in fact, it has propelled him into the spotlight. Yellamaraju has enjoyed a breakout season on the PGA Tour, boasting six top-25 finishes, including an impressive tie for fifth at The Players Championship in March and a tie for sixth at the Texas Children’s Houston Open.
A Supportive Crowd and a Tough Field
Yellamaraju’s performance at the RBC Open drew attention not only for his skill but also for the sizeable gallery that followed him during his opening round. Playing alongside major champion Matt Fitzpatrick and FedEx Cup champion Viktor Hovland, Yellamaraju benefited from a wave of local support. “A lot of people were saying, ‘Go Mississauga’ and all that,” he noted. “So that was pretty cool, for sure.”
Despite the pressure of competing at such a high level, the golfer remained focused on improving his game. Reflecting on his previous experience at the RBC Canadian Open, where he missed the cut last year, he stated, “Score-wise obviously a lot better. I shot two-over last year. It was a little bit inconsistent. I hit a lot of good shots, but I also hit some not good shots.”
Overcoming Challenges Along the Way
Yellamaraju’s journey has been marked by challenges that many aspiring golfers face. After competing in various mini-tour events and turning professional at 19, he spent two years on the PGA Tour Canada followed by two seasons on the Korn Ferry Tour. A standout moment came in January 2025 when he won the Great Abaco Classic in the Bahamas, setting a record for the lowest 72-hole score and finishing with an impressive 52 consecutive bogey-free holes.
His dedication to the sport has paid off, culminating in his successful bid for a PGA Tour card at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship in 2025. “I played a lot of tough golf courses in the meantime and a lot more PGA Tour events,” he said. “I’ve played with a lot of good players and just learned a lot of things.”
Yellamaraju is set to tee off again at 1:10 p.m. ET on Friday alongside Fitzpatrick and Hovland, aiming to build on his strong opening performance and secure his place in the tournament.
Why it Matters
Sudarshan Yellamaraju’s story is a testament to the power of determination and self-learning in a sport often dominated by traditional pathways. His journey not only captivates golf fans but also inspires aspiring athletes around the globe, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds. As he continues to carve out his niche on the PGA Tour, Yellamaraju exemplifies the potential for success when passion meets perseverance, marking him as a player to watch in the coming years.
