Akshay Bhatia Shines with Record Round at St. Jude Championship

Akshay Bhatia dazzles with a career-best 8-under 62 to lead after the first round of the 2025 St. Jude Championship. He is closely followed by Tommy Fleetwood, with notable performances from Justin Rose and Scottie Scheffler. The tournament begins the FedExCup Playoffs, narrowing the field for the Tour Championship.

In a stunning opening round at the 2025 St. Jude Championship, Akshay Bhatia carded a career-best 8-under 62 at TPC Southwind, taking the solo lead. The 23-year-old, a two-time PGA Tour winner, delivered an impressive performance featuring seven birdies and an eagle, offsetting a single bogey.

After reaching 4-under at the turn, Bhatia added a birdie on the 11th hole, briefly stumbled with a bogey on the 12th, but finished strong with an eagle on the 16th and consecutive birdies on the final two holes. "I just felt really in rhythm," Bhatia stated post-round, emphasizing the course's compatibility with his game.

One stroke behind, Tommy Fleetwood ended his round with four straight birdies for a 7-under 63. He is closely followed by Harry Hall, Justin Rose, and Bud Cauley at 6-under, all presenting bogey-free rounds. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler safely finished his round at 3-under 67, maintaining proximity to leaders.

Meanwhile, Aaron Rai finished with an even-par 70, tying for 39th place. The tournament marks the beginning of the FedExCup Playoffs, a high-stakes journey with only 50 players advancing to the BMW Championship, and eventually narrowing to 30 for the Tour Championship.

(With inputs from agencies.)