News Summary
Akshay Bhatia has started the FedEx St. Jude Championship strong, shooting an 8-under-par 62 to lead the tournament at TPC Southwind. Close on his heels is Tommy Fleetwood, just one stroke behind. The competition is fierce among the top golfers, with only the top 50 qualifying for the next playoff event. Bhatia’s outstanding performance highlights the significance of this high-stakes tournament, part of a playoff series aimed at determining the top 30 players for the Tour Championship.
MEMPHIS – Akshay Bhatia is leading the FedEx St. Jude Championship after an outstanding first round in which he shot an 8-under-par 62 on Thursday at TPC Southwind. His performance has positioned him at the top of the leaderboard at this high-stakes tournament, which has a total prize purse of $20 million, with $3.6 million awarded to the winner.
Following closely behind, Tommy Fleetwood sits in second place, just one stroke off Bhatia’s lead. In a tightly contested field, Harry Hall and Justin Rose are tied for third place, trailing by two shots. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s number one ranked golfer, started his round with a solid score of 3-under 67, putting him in a tie for 12th place after the first day.
This tournament, featuring 70 elite players, is part of the playoffs that will ultimately narrow the field to 50 competitors after the first round. Players are motivated, as only the top 50 will qualify for the next event in the series. The aim of the playoffs is to determine the top 30 players who will advance to the Tour Championship scheduled for August 21.
Performance Highlights
Bhatia’s remarkable performance was punctuated by an eagle-birdie-birdie finish, showcasing his skill and composure on a course that has seen significant renovations, including the introduction of 18 new greens and thicker rough. Bhatia, who entered the playoffs ranked 45th in the FedEx Cup standings, is focused on maintaining a calm mindset amidst the intense competition.
Fleetwood, who currently sits in second, highlighted the nuances of TPC Southwind, describing it as a “second-shot golf course.” He displayed impressive accuracy by hitting 13 out of 14 fairways during his round.
Other Contenders
Alongside Hall and Rose, Bud Cauley also shares third place after a strong opening performance. Harris English, ranked 7th in the FedEx Cup standings, started his tournament with a score of 70, positioning himself for a potential climb as the rounds progress. Notably, Rickie Fowler, battling to improve his standings, shot a 66, moving him inside the projected top 50.
Jordan Spieth, who began the day positioned at 48th in the standings, managed to rally with a score of 69 to stay connected to the leaderboard. In contrast, Si Woo Kim, ranked 46th, started strong with a score of 65, furthering his hopes of remaining in the top 50.
Several players find themselves in precarious positions as the tournament unfolds. Keegan Bradley, currently 10th in the Ryder Cup standings, opened his day with a 72. Stephan Jaeger shot a 72 as well, leaving him tied for 57th place and facing challenges to advance.
Looking Ahead
The FedEx St. Jude Championship serves as a critical point for many golfers looking to secure their positions for future prestigious events in the upcoming season. As players compete to improve their standings, the pressure builds heading into subsequent rounds.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Bhatia to see if he can maintain his lead and secure a position in the next playoff event, while Fleetwood and the others will look to capitalize on any opportunity to rise in rank and compete for the substantial prize money at stake.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press
- Wikipedia: FedExCup Playoffs
- Commercial Appeal
- Google Search: FedEx St. Jude Championship
- PGA Tour
- Google News: Golf
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
