How Did Akshay Bhatia Score Four Birdies in a Row at the Rocket Classic?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Akshay Bhatia showcased remarkable skill with four consecutive birdies.
- He finished Round 3 with a score of 2-under 70.
- Bhatia is currently 40th in the FedEx Cup standings.
- Aldrich Potgieter leads the tournament with a 7-under 65.
- Collin Morikawa, ranked No. 5 in the world, is four shots back.
Detroit (USA), June 29 (NationPress) Akshay Bhatia, who barely made the cut, showcased an impressive performance by sinking four consecutive birdies during the closing stages of his third round. He finished with a score of 2-under 70, bringing his total to 8-under after three rounds at the Rocket Classic.
Bhatia's rounds thus far have been 68-70-70, placing him in a tie for 55th position.
Currently sitting at 40th in the FedEx Cup standings, Bhatia is eyeing a spot in the top 70 to qualify for the first of three playoff events, where the top 50 will move on to the second playoff round, culminating in the top 30 competing for the Tour Championship, boasting a purse of USD 25 million in 2024. Bhatia previously ranked 26th in 2024 while Sahith Theegala held the third position.
Bhatia experienced bogeys on the seventh and eleventh holes, leaving him at 2-over until he reached the 14th tee. From there, he remarkably fired off four birdies in a row, finishing with a par on the 18th for a total score of 70.
Leading into the final round of the Rocket Classic, Aldrich Potgieter from South Africa is two shots ahead, aiming to fend off challengers like Collin Morikawa to secure his first victory on the circuit.
Potgieter surged to the top with five consecutive birdies, finishing with a 7-under 65 on Saturday.
The 20-year-old rookie now leads by two over Max Greyserman (66), Jake Knapp (66), Mark Hubbard (67), Andrew Putnam (67), and Chris Kirk (69), who are all two shots behind. Three additional players trail by another stroke.
Bhatia’s fellow competitor, Collin Morikawa, the highest-ranked player in the field at number 5 globally, carded a 68, leaving him four shots back.
Two years ago in Detroit, Morikawa fell to Rickie Fowler in a playoff. The two-time major champion has been seeking a TOUR victory since his win at the Zozo Championship in October 2023.