Four Pepperdine Men’s Golf Alumni Compete on the PGA Tour

Four Pepperdine men’s golf alumni—Joe Highsmith (’22), William Mouw (’23), Andrew Putnam (’11), and Sahith Theegala (’20)—have earned a PGA Tour card and are currently competing in golf's most prestigious professional league. By earning this elite status, these former Wave golfers are distinguished as four of the top 100 players in the world and guaranteed to compete in most tour level events.

Sahith Theegala

At the highest level of golf, Pepperdine’s alumni have been successful. On March 2, 2025, Highsmith won the Cognizant Classic in Palm Springs, Florida to become the fourth Wave ever to win a PGA tour-level event. Theegala—who won the Fortinet Championship in 2023—and Putnam—who won the Barracuda Championship in 2018—have also contributed to this growing list of Pepperdine champions. And Mouw earned his way to the big leagues by finishing in the top 30 of the Korn Ferry tour’s points list for 2024.

Pepperdine’s men’s head golf coach, Michael Beard (’02), explains what sets his former student-athletes apart, stating,  “What distinguishes the four of them as athletes is their competitiveness. None of them are ever afraid of the moment. When it gets tough, it’s almost like they get better. When the pressure is on, they believe, ‘this is where I’m supposed to be.’”

The confidence Beard describes is crucial on the professional golf circuit, especially considering that the PGA Tour only offers 100 tour cards each year to the top-ranked players. Yet, even then, earning a card does not secure a player a permanent tee time. Golfers must perform well throughout the season to retain their PGA Tour status. A premium is placed on those who win events, finish consistently at the top of the leaderboard, or make tournament cuts. These ardent requirements illustrate the challenges of getting to and staying at the top of the golf world, like these four Pepperdine alumni.

Andrew Putnam

Putnam has earned multiple PGA tour cards since 2014—a feat that speaks of his continued excellence on the largest stage. Highsmith, Mouw, and Theegala, in contrast, all earned their cards within the past five years; but as relative newcomers they have each made an immediate impact on the professional circuit. 

“They all love to play the game,” says Beard. "They each have the incredible mental focus and toughness that you see in all great athletes."

Excelling at the next level is life changing for any athlete, but the presence of these four Pepperdine alumni on the PGA Tour is also inspiring to the next generation of Wave golfers. Each new Wave on tour demonstrates that the dream is in reach and achievable for collegiate players.

“When Joe goes out and wins on the tour, our players our encouraged and, in a way, gain more confidence" says Beard. “They have played with Joe enough to see that he is a normal guy and makes mistakes just like they do.”

William Mouw

In recent years, the Waves men’s golf program has defined itself by developing collegiate athletes into tour-level competitors. Beard explained that he and his staff actually prioritize recruiting golfers aiming to play at the next level. They feel as though the drive and determination of these athletes enhances the team’s competitiveness, but more importantly, that Pepperdine’s campus atmosphere is well equipped to propel such ambitious competitors forward.

Based in Malibu, California, Wave golfers can work on their craft outside year-round.  A practice facility and putting green on the school’s campus overlook the Pacific Ocean, and an 8,000-square-foot clubhouse outfitted with a locker room, simulator, and new analytical technologies is under construction. Within 35 minutes, the team has access to a variety of challenging courses where members can play and practice. The institution, moreover, offers a unique athletic culture that follows and celebrates its golfers.

“I always knew Pepperdine was a special place,” Beard explains. “It was always evident to me that if we could add a couple things from a facility standpoint we would have all the tools necessary to help athletes make it to the tour.”