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Bhatia Leads St. Jude Championship After Eight-Under 62 in Playoff Opener

Bhatia’s surge sets the tone for the FedEx Cup Playoffs opener, establishing early separation at TPC Southwind.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 07: Akshay Bhatia hits a tee shot on the seventh hole during the first round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship 2025 at TPC Southwind on August 07, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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

  • Akshay Bhatia carded a career-best eight-under-par 62 to seize a one-shot lead after the opening round in Memphis.
  • Tommy Fleetwood closed with four straight birdies for a seven-under-par 63 and moved into solo second position.
  • World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler posted a three-under-par 67 to lie five strokes off the pace as he seeks a second consecutive FedEx Cup title.
  • Rory McIlroy opted to skip the St. Jude Championship, leveraging the new even-par start rule to protect his playoff standing without playing.
  • The top 50 players in the standings after this week will advance to the BMW Championship, with the top 30 then qualifying for the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake.