Did Akshay Bhatia Make the Cut at the Rocket Classic?
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Synopsis
Discover how Akshay Bhatia secured his spot at the Rocket Classic with impressive play on the back nine. This thrilling tournament is packed with record-breaking performances and fierce competition, making for an exhilarating weekend ahead!
Key Takeaways
- Akshay Bhatia made the cut with crucial birdies on the back nine.
- The cut line was set at 6-under, with 86 players advancing.
- Jake Knapp set a new tournament record with an 11-under 61.
- Knapp is the only player this season to shoot 61 or better in two rounds.
- The current leaders are at 14 under after the second round.
Detroit (USA), June 28 (NationPress) Three birdies on the back nine allowed Akshay Bhatia to secure his place on the cut line at the Rocket Classic on the PGA Tour. The Indian-American prodigy, aiming to qualify for the Tour Championship for the second consecutive year, posted a score of 2-under 70, adding to his initial round of 4-under 68. This low-scoring tournament saw the cut set at 6-under, with 86 players advancing to the weekend.
Bhatia encountered a setback with a bogey on the eighth hole, but crucial birdies on the 11th, 14th, and 15th holes ensured his progression into the weekend rounds.
Jake Knapp made headlines by firing an impressive 11-under 61 on Friday, setting a new Rocket Classic record that lasted less than a day. He became the first player on TOUR this season to shoot a score of 60 or lower while also posting a 61. Despite this remarkable performance, he found himself outside the top six heading into the weekend at the Detroit Golf Club.
The second-round lead is shared by Chris Kirk (65), Philip Knowles (64), and Andrew Putnam (66) at 14 under, with Jackson Suber trailing by one shot. Aldrich Potgieter, who recorded a 70 after sharing the 18-hole lead with Kevin Roy (both having shot record-setting 62s), is one stroke behind the leaders.
Knapp is in a competitive group that includes Collin Morikawa (64), Hideki Matsuyama (66), and Roy (71), who are all three shots off the lead as they head into the third round. The 31-year-old Knapp, who claimed victory at the Mexico Open last year as a rookie, started the second round ranked 130th in the 156-player field after an opening 72. He advanced into contention with a stellar performance, recording nine birdies and an eagle in a flawless round.
Ranked No. 99 globally, Knapp is the sole player on TOUR to have posted a score of 61 or better in two rounds this season. Earlier, he shot a 59—just one stroke off the tour record of 58 established by Jim Furyk in 2016—at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches four months ago. He had previously broken the tournament scoring record before cooling off and tying for sixth. Knapp's performance at the Detroit Golf Club broke the 18-hole record set just the day before by Potgieter and Roy.
Point of View
I believe Akshay Bhatia's journey at the Rocket Classic exemplifies the determination and skill required to excel in professional golf. The tournament showcases not only individual talent but also the competitive spirit of the PGA Tour, highlighting the significance of each player's performance as they strive for excellence.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rocket Classic?
The Rocket Classic is a professional golf tournament that takes place on the PGA Tour, featuring top players from around the world.
How did Akshay Bhatia perform?
Akshay Bhatia made the cut by scoring 2-under 70 in the second round, adding to his first-round score of 4-under 68.
What records were set during the tournament?
Jake Knapp shot an 11-under 61, setting a new Rocket Classic record, and became the first TOUR player this season to shoot 60 or lower.
Who are the current leaders in the tournament?
The second-round leaders are Chris Kirk, Philip Knowles, and Andrew Putnam, all at 14 under.
Where is the Rocket Classic held?
The Rocket Classic is held at the Detroit Golf Club in Detroit, USA.
