Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia made a stunning start at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the first event of the PGA Tour playoffs, by shooting a career-best 8-under 62 in the opening round.
His strong finish—eagle, birdie, birdie—helped him take a one-shot lead over England’s Tommy Fleetwood, with several top names close behind.
This high-stakes tournament is the first of three events in the FedExCup Playoffs, where only the top 50 players will move on to the BMW Championship, and eventually the top 30 will qualify for the Tour Championship at East Lake, with a shot at the $10 million bonus.
Akshay Bhatia’s Dream Start
Starting the playoffs ranked No. 45, Bhatia knew he needed a strong result. He delivered with an incredible round, finishing with a long birdie putt on 17 and a brilliant approach to 2 feet on 18. His calm mindset and focus on staying relaxed seems to be paying off.
“I felt pretty relaxed, and I’m just not trying to force anything,” Bhatia said. “It’s OK to get mad at golf shots, but not at yourself.”
He now leads the tournament with 41 points, 33 rebounds, and 32 assists (from recent performances), proving that he’s not just a rising star—but a serious contender.
Fleetwood and Others in the Chase
Tommy Fleetwood, ranked No. 9 in the FedExCup standings, is in a strong position to qualify for the finals, but he’s still chasing his first PGA Tour win. His first-round 63 featured 13 fairways hit and a magical bunker hole-out for birdie.
Meanwhile, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, fresh from his Open Championship win, posted a solid 67. Though he made a bogey on the final hole, he extended his streak to 10 consecutive rounds in the 60s.
Others in contention include Justin Rose and Bud Cauley (both shot 64), Si Woo Kim (65), Wyndham Clark (67), and Maverick McNealy (66).
Notable Performances and Playoff Bubble Watch
Several big names are fighting to stay inside the top 50 cut:
Rickie Fowler, who missed the playoffs last year, shot 66 and is now projected inside the top 50.
Jordan Spieth, ranked No. 48, managed a 69 and is on the edge at No. 50.
Si Woo Kim, sitting at No. 46, opened with a confident 65 and hopes to climb higher.
Keegan Bradley, potential Ryder Cup captain, struggled with a 72.
What’s at Stake?
The FedEx St. Jude Championship is more than just another tournament. Advancing to the next round means:
Guaranteed entry into the $20 million signature events next season
A chance to compete for the $10 million FedExCup bonus
Better chances at Ryder Cup selection for top contenders
Akshay Bhatia’s opening-round 62 at TPC Southwind shows he’s ready for the big stage. With the playoffs heating up, every shot counts. Players on the bubble must stay sharp over the next two rounds, while stars like Scheffler, Fleetwood, and Bhatia aim for the top spot.
Whether you’re a golf fan or just love a good underdog story, this year’s FedExCup Playoffs are shaping up to be thrilling from start to finish.
