Akshay Bhatia shot opening round 62 to take an early lead
Akshay Bhatia, the 23-year-old Indian – American and already a two-time PGA Tour winner, underscored his 40th world ranking by finishing 6th at the first of the three lucrative Fedex Cup Playoff events in America following a career-low 8-under 62 in round 1.
Starting the week 45th in the FedEx Cup standings, Bhatia’s top-10 moved him 16 places to 29th, securing spots in the BMW Championship and should he remain the top 30, he will secure a spot in the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake where huge bonuses await.
Among other Indian-origin players, England’s Aaron Rai — recently engaged to Indian pro Gaurika Bishnoi — shot 70-69-68-67 to place T-22 but, at 55th in the standings, will not advance to the following week. California’s Sahith Theegala ended the PGA Tour season at 147th having been forced out due to an injury and missed the playoffs.
Bhatia will now carry lone Indian-origin representation into the final two events, with a chance to finish the season among the PGA Tour’s elite.
Photo – PGA Tour