The 23-year-old Bhatia, already a two-time winner on the PGA Tour, delivered a stellar performance marked by seven birdies and an eagle against one bogey. He made the turn at 4-under, then picked up another birdie on the 11th before briefly slipping with a bogey at 12. But his finish was spectacular\u2014an eagle on the par-5 16th followed by back-to-back birdies on 17 and 18.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI just felt really in rhythm,\u201d Bhatia said after the round. \u201cThe course sets up well for my game, and once I made that eagle, everything clicked. I wasn\u2019t chasing anything \u2014 just sticking to my process and got into a great zone.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
His bogey-free 62 not only marks a personal best on Tour but also puts him in a strong position to contend for his first-ever playoff victory and a significant leap up the FedExCup standings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
One shot behind is Tommy Fleetwood, who closed with four consecutive birdies to shoot 7-under 63. The Englishman has been in consistent form all season but is still seeking his elusive first win on the PGA Tour.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Three players\u2014Harry Hall, Justin Rose, and Bud Cauley\u2014share third at 6-under. All three delivered bogey-free rounds on a Southwind layout that often punishes mistakes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler opened his playoff run with a steady 3-under 67. Though five shots off the lead, Scheffler\u2019s clean, controlled round keeps him within striking distance. The two-time major winner this season is widely viewed as a strong favourite in the playoff race.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also posting 67 was rising Swedish star Ludvig \u00c5berg, who matched Scheffler\u2019s effort and remains in the hunt.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, Aaron Rai of Indo-British heritage carded an even-par 70 with two birdies and two bogeys. He sits tied for 39th and currently ranks 55th in the FedExCup standings. Rai needs to move into the top 50 this week to qualify for next week\u2019s BMW Championship.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also posting 67 was rising Swedish star Ludvig \u00c5berg, who matched Scheffler\u2019s effort and remains in the hunt.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The St. Jude Championship kicks off a three-week sprint to crown the 2025 FedEx Cup Champion. Only the top 50 players after this week advance to the BMW Championship, with just 30 eventually reaching the Tour Championship at East Lake.<\/p>\r\n\r\n