What’s a ‘Mongolian Reversal’? Sahith Theegala explains.
Ben Jared | Getty Photographs
MONTREAL — As quickly because the phrases left Sahith Theegala’s mouth, his teammates knew he’d made a mistake.
“Match play is a humorous, humorous factor,” Theegala mentioned Thursday on the Presidents Cup, minutes after successful his first match as a member of the U.S. group. “There’s all the time some Mongolians … and issues go the ways in which you don’t assume it might go.”
Theegala completed his reply, however his teammates would by no means hear it. By the point he was completed talking, Xander Schauffele, Keegan Bradley and Scottie Scheffler had been laughing.
The explanation for the laughter was clear. Theegala’s free-flowing response had included a nonsequitur that appeared like a microaggression. What did he imply by Mongolians?
Fortunately, it took only some extra questions till Golf Digest’s Shane Ryan sought additional rationalization.
“Sahith,” he requested. “Are you able to inform us what Mongolians are?”
Nearly instantly, the 26-year-old professional broke out in a smile.
“I heard them laughing once I mentioned that,” he mentioned, his (now-giggling) teammates. “I understand I didn’t say the complete phrase. Not race meant or nation meant, but it surely’s a Mongolian reversal. I don’t even know the way it originated.”
Ah sure — the Mongolian Reversal — a time period first coined in reference to the collapse of the Mongolian empire within the 14th Century. In historical past, the time period refers back to the dramatic enlargement of the Mongolian empire all through the continent of Asia within the thirteenth and early 14th centuries earlier than its sudden downfall within the years following the demise of Genghis Khan. In golf, although, it refers back to the match play equal — when one feels they’ve the opening conquered, just for their opponent to show the tables.
“The primary time I heard it was really Fred {Couples}, a very long time in the past once I was watching TV,” Theegala mentioned. “I assume it’s simply when your opponents are in a greater place than you on the opening and also you do one thing cool like make an extended putt. It appears to be like like your opponents had been going to win the opening whenever you hit the method photographs in, however you make the lengthy putt they usually miss the brief putt, and swiftly trying such as you’re shedding the opening to successful the opening.”
The consequence: not practically what it appeared throughout Thursday night’s post-Presidents Cup press convention — and a fast apology from the person on the middle of it.
“Thanks for asking to make clear that,” Theegala mentioned with a relieved smile. “Mongolian reversal, sure.”
After which amusing.
“Don’t cancel me, please.”
