Bhatia drills first PGA Tour career hole-in-one
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Newsweek
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Rory McIlroy Gives Nod to Potential Ryder Cup Underdog
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. It's no secret that Rory McIlroy is a powerful voice on the European side of the Ryder Cup. For this reason, his every word on the matter resonates throughout the golf world, and if it bears a player's name, even more so. That's exactly what happened after the second round of the BMW Championship, with several potential European Ryder Cup team members controlling the top of the leaderboard. McIlroy expressed his satisfaction with players like Robert MacIntyre, Viktor Hovland, and Ludvig Aberg, but took the opportunity to mention one who may not be in many people's plans. "It's good to see Bob (MacIntyre), Ludvig (Aberg), Viktor Hovland), Tommy (Fleetwood), even Harry Hall, that maybe got a chance to play in the team. Yeah, it bodes well for a few weeks' time." Regarding Hall, he added: "I played with Harry in his first start as a pro at the Dunhill Links a few years ago. I know him a little bit. Really nice player, great rhythm to his golf swing, and he's sort of done it a different way. He went over to UNLV (University of Nevada-Las Vegas) and did it that way. But he's become a very consistent player, so we'll see what happens." Rory McIlory of Northern Ireland plays his tee shot on the 18th hole watched by his playing partner Harry Hall of England on the 18th hole during the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Links... Rory McIlory of Northern Ireland plays his tee shot on the 18th hole watched by his playing partner Harry Hall of England on the 18th hole during the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the Old Course at St Andrews on September 29, 2019 in St Andrews, United Kingdom. MoreHall started the third round of the BMW Championship tied for eighth with a score of 5-under. The Englishman is currently ranked 19th in the European Ryder Cup Team rankings, so a strong result at Caves Valley would put him squarely in the conversation for Luke Donald's free picks. Hall has two more chances to continue earning points and move even closer to a spot on the team. His performance at the BMW Championship is poised to take him to the PGA Tour's Tour Championship for the first time in his career. Two weeks later, he will play the DP World Tour's British Masters, which closes the eligibility period for the European team. After this iconic tournament hosted by Nick Faldo at The Belfry, the six direct qualifiers will be determined. Shortly following, Donald is expected to announce his six free picks. Hall owes his current status as a Ryder Cup contender to his strong season on the PGA Tour. In 23 tournaments, he has only missed three cuts, with 13 top-25 finishes and four top-10s. His best result of the year so far has been a T6 finish at the Charles Schwab Challenge. Hall has never played in the Ryder Cup, although he has experience in team events, having played in the Arnold Palmer Cup and the Walker Cup during his amateur career. He has played professionally since 2019 and on the PGA Tour since 2023, where his best result is one win. More Golf: Scottie Scheffler shows his edge amid 'ridiculous' Ryder Cup questions
Newsweek
38 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Akshay Bhatia Lands New Car With Ace at BMW Championship Third Round
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Akshay Bhatia had a third round to remember at the BMW Championship. Not only did he get back into the race to qualify for the Tour Championship, but he also hit his first career ace on the PGA Tour. It was a fortunate shot for several reasons. With his ace at the 17th hole, Bhatia won a new car, courtesy of the event's name sponsor. BMW will also associate Bhatia's name with an Evans Scholarship as a reward for this feat. "The wind was straight off the left, so it was a perfect 5-iron," he told the reporters after his third-round performance. "I could draw it, which is nice. Again, that's a hole you're just trying to hit it front of the green to back of the green. But I told myself just don't be afraid to hit it, execute it, because it's easy to bail out there." "When that golf ball went in, it was the craziest thing in the world. My caddie was pointing at the car and I'm like, don't even know what to do. I couldn't even feel my body. Still even going to 18 tee was pretty nuts how much adrenaline I had." Akshay Bhatia of the United States plays his shot from the eighth tee during the second round of the BMW Championship 2025 at Caves Valley Golf Club on August 15, 2025 in Owings Mills, Maryland. Akshay Bhatia of the United States plays his shot from the eighth tee during the second round of the BMW Championship 2025 at Caves Valley Golf Club on August 15, 2025 in Owings Mills, said he hasn't decided what to do with his new car, which could be good news for his caddie, Brian Dilley. "I don't really necessarily need a new car," he said. "I'm pretty happy with what I've got. I think either I'll give it to my caddie or figure something out to where I can donate it to charity or something." What did resonate with the 23-year-old player was the chance to put his name on a scholarship that will surely change some young person's life. "It's the coolest thing," he said. "It warms my heart that a golf shot that I hit can help a kid get a full scholarship ... I just am very blessed and thankful for that opportunity that Evans Scholars provided this week." First ace of his career as he battles on the bubble! Akshay Bhatia is now projected into the Top 30 in the FedExCup after a hole-in-one! — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 16, 2025 The Evans Scholarship is a full tuition and housing award for high-achieving golf caddies with financial need. Sponsored by the Western Golf Association, it boasts a 95% graduation rate. BMW supports the program through its partnership with the BMW Championship, helping fund scholarships via tournament proceeds. Bhatia finished Moving Day at Caves Valley at 4-under for the round, bringing his 54-hole score to even par. With this performance, he climbed more than 10 spots on the leaderboard and is currently tied for 23rd. More importantly, Bhatia is now projected to finish the event ranked 29th in the FedEx Cup, which would qualify him for the Tour Championship and give him a spot in the Masters Tournament field next season. More Golf: Scottie Scheffler shows his edge amid 'ridiculous' Ryder Cup questions
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Akshay Bhatia's ace on 17th hole at BMW wins a car, boosts hopes of reaching the Tour Championship
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Akshay Bhatia made an ace on the 17th hole of the BMW Championship on Saturday, winning a car and boosting his chances of qualifying for the Tour Championship next week. The top 30 in the FedEx Cup advance to the Tour Championship, and Bhatia is right on the bubble, having entered this event in 29th. His hole-in-one came on an intimidating 227-yard, par 3 with an elevated tee and water to the right of the green. The pin was toward the front of the green with a bunker to the left. Bhatia shot a 5-over 75 in the first round Thursday, leaving him 13 strokes behind the leader. But he shot a third-round 66 on Saturday, holing out a sand wedge from 93 yards for an eagle on the par-4 seventh. When his 5-iron on No. 17 rolled into the hole, it moved him to even par for the tournament. The ace earned Bhatia the BMW iX M70 on display next to the 17th tee. It also means $125,000 will go from BMW to the Evans Scholars Foundation, which oversees a scholarship program for caddies. 'I don't really necessarily need a new car. I'm pretty happy with what I've got,' the 23-year-old Bhatia said. 'I think either I'll give it to my caddie or figure something out to where I can donate it to charity or something.' ___ AP golf:
