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.