Memphis (USA), Aug 8 (NationPress) Akshay Bhatia showcased an exceptional performance at TPC Southwind, scoring a remarkable 8-under 62, which marks his career-best. This impressive display places him in the lead after the first round of the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship, the inaugural event of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Playoffs.

The 23-year-old Bhatia, a two-time PGA Tour champion, delivered a remarkable round filled with seven birdies and one eagle, alongside a single bogey. After completing the front nine at 4-under, he secured another birdie on the 11th hole, faced a temporary setback with a bogey on 12, but regrouped with an eagle on the par-5 16th. He capped off his round with consecutive birdies on 17 and 18.

“I felt completely in sync,” Bhatia expressed post-round. “The course suits my style, and once I made that eagle, everything was in place. I wasn’t chasing anything — just adhering to my routine and found my groove.”

This bogey-free 62 not only sets a personal milestone for Bhatia on Tour but also positions him favorably in the pursuit of his first playoff victory and a significant advancement in the FedExCup standings.

Trailing closely is Tommy Fleetwood, who finished with four straight birdies to achieve a score of 7-under 63. The English player has maintained solid form throughout the season and is still on the hunt for his first PGA Tour victory.

Three players — Harry Hall, Justin Rose, and Bud Cauley — share the third position at 6-under, all having completed bogey-free rounds on a challenging Southwind course that typically penalizes errors.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler started his playoff campaign with a steady 3-under 67. Although five shots behind the leader, Scheffler's controlled performance keeps him within reach. The two-time major champion this season is widely regarded as a top contender in the playoff race.

Also posting a score of 67 was rising Swedish talent Ludvig Åberg, who matched Scheffler’s score and remains competitive.

Meanwhile, Aaron Rai, with Indo-British roots, recorded an even-par 70, featuring two birdies and two bogeys. He stands tied for 39th and is currently ranked 55th in the FedExCup standings, needing to break into the top 50 this week for a shot at next week’s BMW Championship.

Notably, Rory McIlroy is absent from the competition, utilizing a new PGA Tour rule that permits top-10 players to skip one playoff event. Currently second in FedExCup points, McIlroy is expected to return next week and will depend on his overall season performance to remain in contention for the Tour Championship.

The St. Jude Championship marks the beginning of a three-week race to determine the 2025 FedEx Cup Champion. Only the top 50 players following this week will advance to the BMW Championship, with just 30 ultimately qualifying for the Tour Championship at East Lake.