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Akshay Bhatia Takes First-Round Lead at FedEx St. Jude Championship

His career-best 62 puts him atop the no-cut leaderboard in Memphis with only the top 50 moving on to next week’s BMW Championship

Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays his shot from the eighth tee during the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind on August 18, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Bryson DeChambeau plays his shot from the second tee during the first round of the LIV Golf Dallas golf tournament at Maridoe Golf Club.
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Overview

  • Bhatia eagled the 16th and closed with back-to-back birdies to post an eight-under 62, marking his lowest career round.
  • Tommy Fleetwood surged late with four straight birdies to finish at seven-under 63 and sit one stroke behind the leader.
  • World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler shot a three-under 67 and trails Bhatia by five as he defends his FedEx Cup points lead.
  • Rory McIlroy remained the sole qualifier to skip the playoff opener under the new even-par start format but retains a safe path to advance.
  • The no-cut format and 2,000-point winner’s payout have intensified the scramble among 70 players for only 50 BMW Championship berths.