Bhatia shoots career-best 62 to lead St. Jude Championship on PGA
It was a day of birdie streaks and ensured great early drama in the first of the three FedExCup play-offs on the PGA Tour.
The 23-year-old Bhatia, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour, was brilliant in his final few holes.
After a fine front nine of four-under, Bhatia birdied 11th but gave back a shot on the 12th. Then he was on fire on the final stretch. He eagled the par-5 16th and that was followed by consecutive birdies on 17 and 18.
He said, 'I just felt really in rhythm. The course sets up well for my game, and once I made that eagle, everything clicked. I wasn't trying to chase anything — I just stuck to my process and got into a great zone." Bhatia had seven birdies, one eagle, and one bogey and it was a personal best on the PGA Tour. It sets him up with a great chance to not only win his first playoff event, but also move into contention for the FedEx Cup.
Indo-British Aaron Rai shot an even par 70 with two birdies and two bogeys. He was tied 39th. He is currently 55th and needs to be inside Top-50 to play the next event.
Meanwhile, one shot behind Bhatia was Tommy Fleetwood, who shot a 7-under 63 that included a four-birdie run to close his round. The Englishman has been in great form this season, but he's still seeking his first PGA Tour win.
Three players sit tied for third at 6-under with Harry Hall, Justin Rose, and Bud Cauley. All three had bogey-free rounds at the TPC Southwind, which can play tricks. With just two strokes separating the top five players, the championship is wide open.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler began his playoff campaign with a steady 3-under 67, which was still five shots behind the leader. Scheffler, as is his style, avoided mistakes and gave himself room to climb up.
Having won two Majors this season, Scheffler enters as a favourite. Another notable performance came from Ludvig Åberg, the Swedish star, who matched Scheffler with a 3-under 67.
Rory McIlroy is conspicuous by his absence. He opted to skip this week's tournament under a new PGA Tour rule that allows players ranked inside the top 10 of the FedEx Cup standings to miss one playoff event.
Currently second in points, McIlroy will return for the BMW Championship next week and will rely on his season-long performance to remain in contention for the Tour Championship.
The St. Jude Championship is the first of three playoff events in 2025. Only the top 50 players in the FedEx Cup standings after this week will advance to the BMW Championship. PTI Cor AH AH
view comments
First Published:
August 08, 2025, 17:30 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
29 minutes ago
- India Today
Cincinnati Open: Danielle Collins slams ‘keyboard warriors' for mocking her injury
Danielle Collins has responded to criticism after a dramatic first-round exit from the 2025 Cincinnati Open, where she was seen visibly emotional during her match against fellow American Taylor Townsend. The 31-year-old, grappling with a herniated disc, was overwhelmed by the pain—both physical and mental—as she pushed through the match, only to be defeated in straight sets. Townsend emerged victorious with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-2) score, ending Collins's campaign in the first first set was largely one-sided, but the second set was far more competitive, with Collins pushing it to a tiebreak. Under mounting pressure, her frustration spilled over. Midway through, she turned to her team in tears, questioning why things were going so painfully wrong. The moment went viral, leading Collins to respond on social media, where she defended her reaction and spoke about the hidden challenge of competing with a serious back Read: Rafael Nadal becomes father again, welcomes baby boy Miquel with wife Maria Taking to her Instagram story, Collins wrote, 'Anyone who has a herniated disc knows my pain. It's no surprise the keyboard warriors can't understand or relate, as they've been too busy sitting on their asses judging people who show up and try to give it their best even on days that suck. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for my injury and thank you to Taylor Townsend for being the best of the best.' While Collins's emotional breakdown and struggles with injury dominated the narrative, the match also produced a small but striking act of sportsmanship: after the final handshake, Collins left the court in haste and Taylor Townsend retrieved her forgotten bag and handed it to Collins's team. Collins has struggled for consistency recently — she was beaten by Magda Linette in the first round at the DC Open (7–5, 6–4) and then lost a close three-setter to Coco Gauff at the National Bank Open in Montreal (7–5, 4–6, 7–6). Collins will now turn her attention to the US Open, which runs from August 24 to September 7, 2025.- Ends
News18
39 minutes ago
- News18
'Pant Batting With A Broken Toe Exemplified Team's Philosophy': Karun Nair
Last Updated: Karun Nair praised Rishabh Pant for batting with a fractured toe in the fourth Test at Manchester. Pant's injury occurred while facing Chris Woakes. He will miss the 2025 Asia Cup. Indian batter Karun Nair has lauded his teammate Rishabh Pant for batting with a fracture in the fourth Test at Manchester. The wicketkeeper-batter picked up the injury while batting against England at Old Trafford. He looked to reverse sweep a Chris Woakes delivery. He missed the shot and only managed an inside edge onto his right boot. He quickly took off his glove and began hobbling. The Indian team physio rushed to the middle and took off his shoe, which showed blood oozing out and the spot being heavily swollen. He returned the next day to bat and smashed a fifty with an injured foot Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Nair said Pant's attitude defined the team as a whole. '…to see Rishabh walk out to bat with a broken toe – it was one of the moments of the series. It was astonishing for everyone to see. It told you what a great player he is, and more importantly, the person he is," Nair said. 'That kind of exemplified the philosophy of the team. Of putting everything first for the team, it's not about individuals," he added. Pant Likely To Miss Asia Cup The Times of India on Thursday (August 7) stated that the 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter will miss the 2025 edition of the Asia Cup, and he also remains doubtful for the two-match Test series against the West Indies. 'Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant won't require surgery after a toe fracture during the fourth Test in Manchester. However, Pant has been ruled out of action for at least six weeks. He will miss the Asia Cup and possibly the West Indies series," the TOI report read. The Asia Cup 2025 will be played from September 9 to 28 in the UAE, whereas the two-match Test series between India and the West Indies is scheduled to take place between October 2 and 14 in Ahmedabad and Delhi. (With PTI Inputs) view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Gyokeres 'Going To Destroy You', Warns Arsenal's Arteta Ahead Of New PL Season
Arsenal, aiming to end a five-year trophy drought, signed prolific striker Viktor Gyökeres. Manager Mikel Arteta is pleased with the aggressive approach to enhance squad depth. After watching three consecutive Premier League titles slip away to Manchester City, Arsenal have acted decisively this summer, making bold, early moves in the transfer market to ensure squad depth is no longer a weakness in their quest for silverware. At the heart of this ambition is Viktor Gyökeres, the prolific Swedish striker who scored an extraordinary 54 goals in all competitions for Sporting CP last season, instantly becoming one of the most sought-after players in Europe. Manager Mikel Arteta made no secret of his satisfaction at securing Arsenal's top target. 'I was extremely happy with the way that we have approached the window and how aggressive we've been," Arteta said. 'So far, we are very happy with what we have achieved. Make sure that at the end of the window, we continue to be super happy." Gyökeres's arrival signals a potential tactical evolution for Arsenal. Unlike Kai Havertz, who often drops deep to link play, Gyökeres thrives in the final third, using his direct running and predatory instincts to threaten the goal constantly. 'When you leave him with the space, one-on-one, he's going to destroy you," Arteta declared, underlining the Swede's lethal edge. Arsenal's recruitment has extended beyond the front line. Martín Zubimendi brings mobility, defensive solidity, and control in midfield, while Christian Nørgaard adds Premier League experience and leadership, having captained Brentford. 'You have to mix it up with some veteran players as well. I think we have a really good balance in our squad this year," midfielder Mikel Merino noted. The club has also stayed true to its academy roots, with Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly breaking through last season, and 15-year-old Max Dowman now impressing in pre-season. Arsenal reached the Champions League semi-finals last season and pushed City close in the league again. Now, with Gyökeres leading the line, Arteta has the attacking focal point he lacked. The aim is now clear: end a five-year trophy drought and finally convert promise into Premier League glory. (with agency inputs) view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
