Akshay Bhatia Shines with Stunning 62 to Lead FedEx St. Jude Championship
Akshay Bhatia Shines with Stunning 62 as he delivered a career-best performance to take the early lead at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis. Bhatia’s closing eagle-birdie-birdie finish propelled him to an 8-under 62, showcasing his composure and talent under pressure. The sensational round not only marked a personal milestone but placed him one shot ahead of Tommy Fleetwood in this critical FedEx Cup Playoffs opener.
The opening round saw intense competition on a revamped TPC Southwind course, but the spotlight was firmly on Bhatia. Ranked 45th entering the playoffs, his brilliant play now positions him strongly among the top 50 who advance to the BMW Championship next week. With only the top 30 reaching the finale at East Lake for a shot at the $10 million bonus, Bhatia’s performance couldn’t have come at a better time.
Akshay Bhatia Shines with Stunning 62 after a rollercoaster season, and this breakthrough signals his potential as a serious playoff contender. He was paired with Harry Hall, who was close behind until Bhatia drained a 25-foot birdie on 17 and followed with a perfect short-iron approach to within 2 feet on 18. It was a masterclass in clutch execution.
Speaking after the round, Bhatia admitted that he’s been trying to focus less on rankings and more on his mental approach. “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.” This new mindset is paying off, especially on a course with newly updated greens and thicker rough that challenged even the tour’s best.
Akshay Bhatia Shines with Stunning 62, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, fresh off his British Open win, returned to action and shot a 3-under 67. Though solid, his round ended with a bogey on 18 after three-putting from 70 feet. Still, Scheffler extended his streak to 10 straight rounds in the 60s and remains the top seed in the FedEx Cup.
Tommy Fleetwood also impressed, carding a 63 and nearly matching Bhatia’s brilliance. With 13 of 14 fairways hit and a holed bunker shot on No. 9, Fleetwood’s consistency off the tee was vital. “People talk about this golf course as a second-shot golf course, but it’s only a second-shot course if you’re in the fairway,” he noted. His four consecutive birdies to finish cemented a superb round.
Akshay Bhatia Shines with Stunning 62 in a round that included poise, power, and a newfound mental focus. While others like Justin Rose and Bud Cauley also impressed with 64s, it was Bhatia who stood out most. The 22-year-old lefty was a picture of calm as he navigated a challenging layout.
Rickie Fowler, who missed the playoffs last year, is also back in form. Starting the week at No. 64, he posted a strong 66, projecting him into the top 50. Similarly, Jordan Spieth battled back on the back nine to salvage a 69, which left him hovering at the 50th position by day’s end.
Akshay Bhatia Shines with Stunning 62, raising expectations for what could be a breakthrough postseason run. His timely performance comes as a surprise to many but not to those who have followed his steady improvement throughout the season.
Si Woo Kim, sitting just ahead of Bhatia at No. 46, shot a 65 to stay in the hunt. Former U.S. Open champ Wyndham Clark and Maverick McNealy, both strong contenders, added to the depth of the leaderboard with rounds of 67 and 66, respectively. The intensity and quality of the field underscored the stakes in this FedEx Cup showdown.
Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, another major name in the field, opened with a 72. Currently 10th in the Ryder Cup standings, Bradley may be feeling added pressure as a possible playing captain. McNealy, at 11th, outshone him with a solid round that strengthens his own chances.
Akshay Bhatia Shines with Stunning 62, and it wasn’t just his putting or short irons that impressed. His ability to stay mentally grounded under the weight of playoff implications makes his round all the more impressive. “The goal is to keep my mind peaceful,” Bhatia said. That peace translated to precision on a demanding course.
The FedEx St. Jude Championship is the first of three playoff events, and players must perform consistently to advance. With each round bringing major shifts in rankings and projections, no lead is truly safe. Still, Akshay Bhatia Shines with Stunning 62 stands as a performance to remember.
The course conditions at TPC Southwind, featuring 18 new greens and challenging rough, added to the drama. Many players struggled to adapt, but Bhatia seemed unfazed. His precision approach shots, combined with strong putting, gave him an edge few could match.
The buzz around Memphis now revolves around the young star. Can he sustain this momentum? Will this be the start of a defining run in his career? The next few days will provide answers, but for now, one thing is clear: Akshay Bhatia Shines with Stunning 62, and the golf world is watching.
This moment marks a significant chapter in Bhatia’s journey. From worrying about his world ranking to leading one of the most competitive tournaments of the year, his transformation is both technical and mental. The key will be to maintain that balance moving forward.
As the second round looms, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if Bhatia can build on his impressive start. He’s now in the driver’s seat, and his destiny is firmly in his hands. Akshay Bhatia Shines with Stunning 62, and that headline may just be the first of many to come this postseason.