Can Indian-American Akshay Bhatia Secure His Third PGA Tour Win at the 3M Open?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling display of skill, Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia ties for the lead at the 3M Open with a stunning 8-under 63. With his eyes set on a third PGA Tour victory, the competition heats up as he goes head-to-head with Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen. Will Bhatia claim victory?
Key Takeaways
- Akshay Bhatia ties for the lead at the 3M Open with a score of 8-under 63.
- Thorbjorn Olesen shares the lead after making an incredible ace.
- Bhatia aims for his third PGA Tour win in his 90th start.
- Both players are focused on their performance in the final round.
- The tournament highlights the growing diversity in golf.
Blaine (USA), July 27 (NationPress) Akshay Bhatia delivered an impressive performance with a career-matching 8-under 63 on moving day, positioning himself in a tie for the lead at the 3M Open on the PGA Tour. He shares the top spot with Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen, who made an ace on the par-3 eighth hole, finishing with a 4-under 67 at the TPC Twin Cities.
The 23-year-old Indian-American, whose heritage traces back to India, made two exceptional chip-ins during his round, aiming for his third PGA TOUR title in his 90th outing. His previous victories include the 2023 Barracuda Championship and the 2024 Valero Texas Open. Bhatia’s third-round score of 8-under 63 matches his career-low, a score he has achieved five times. His last appearance at the 3M Open saw him finish T-64 in 2024.
Ranked No. 46 in the FedExCup, Bhatia aims to qualify for the Tour Championship, as he did in 2024.
Bhatia expressed, "I chipped in twice and made several putts. Many putts lipped in, which felt great. Overall, it was a solid round. I handled the rough well today. Although my tee shots weren’t perfect, the soft greens helped a lot."
Coming off a fourth-place finish at Tiger Woods’ World Challenge in 2024, Bhatia also boasts three Top-10 finishes in 2025, including a Tied-third at the Players. He executed chip-ins from 42 feet for a birdie on the fifth and from 55 feet on the eleventh. “I’m focused on playing solid golf and hope the cards play in my favor tomorrow,” he remarked.
Tied for the lead with Bhatia, Thorbjorn Olesen is pursuing his maiden PGA Tour victory and is debuting at the 3M Open, holding the lead/co-lead for the first time on the PGA Tour. He started the week ranked No. 129 in the FedExCup. The eight-time DP World Tour winner secured PGA Tour membership for the 2025 season, finishing No. 7 in the 2024 DP World Tour Top 10, which grants membership to the top 10 finishers in the Race to Dubai Rankings.
The 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational winner, Kurt Kitayama, recorded a personal best of 11-under 60 and finished T-3 at 17-under, matching the tournament and course record.
Also tied for third is Takumi Kanaya (65), who aims to be the sixth Japanese player to win on Tour, following Hideki Matsuyama, who claimed The Sentry title this season.
Joining them in a tie for third are Sam Stevens (66) and Jake Knapp (67).
In a three-way tie for seventh are Chris Gotterup (65), Pierceson Coody (67), and Jesper Svensson (63) at 16-under.
Point of View
I recognize the significance of Akshay Bhatia's journey as an Indian-American golfer. His performance at the 3M Open not only highlights individual talent but also represents the growing diversity in the sport. The competitive landscape of the PGA Tour continues to evolve, and Bhatia's potential victory could inspire many aspiring golfers.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Akshay Bhatia's current ranking in the FedExCup?
Akshay Bhatia is currently ranked No. 46 in the FedExCup.
How many PGA Tour wins does Akshay Bhatia have?
Akshay Bhatia has two PGA Tour wins: the 2023 Barracuda Championship and the 2024 Valero Texas Open.
Who is Thorbjorn Olesen?
Thorbjorn Olesen is a Danish golfer making his PGA Tour debut at the 3M Open, currently tied for the lead.
What is the significance of the 3M Open for Bhatia?
The 3M Open represents a crucial opportunity for Bhatia to secure his third PGA Tour victory.
What notable achievements does Kurt Kitayama have in this tournament?
Kurt Kitayama recorded a career-low 11-under 60 and matched the tournament and course record.
