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Key Points

Akshay Bhatia remains in strong contention at the St Jude Championship, sitting tied for second after a steady second-round 69. Tommy Fleetwood leads by four strokes, chasing his elusive first PGA TOUR victory. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is lurking at T-7, while weather disruptions add unpredictability. The weekend promises a thrilling battle between rising star Bhatia and veteran Fleetwood.

Key Points: Akshay Bhatia Tied Second at St Jude Championship Behind Fleetwood

  • Akshay Bhatia shoots 69 to stay tied second at 9-under
  • Tommy Fleetwood leads with back-to-back 63 and 64 rounds
  • Scottie Scheffler sits T-7 despite Open Championship momentum
  • Weather delays impact play with Kurt Kitayama surging into top 5
2 min read

Bhatia shoots steady 2nd round to stay second in St Jude Championship

Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia stays in contention at St Jude Championship, trailing leader Tommy Fleetwood by four strokes after a steady second round.

"He is seeking his first PGA TOUR win after several close finishes. — PGA TOUR on Tommy Fleetwood"

Memphis, August 10

Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia followed up his career-best round of 8-under 62 with a solid second-round 69, bringing his 36-hole total to 9-under par at the St Jude Championship.

Bhatia is currently tied for second place with Collin Morikawa and Justin Rose, trailing leader Tommy Fleetwood by four strokes.

Fleetwood, who shot back-to-back rounds of 63 and 64 (13-under), remains at the top of the leaderboard. He is seeking his first PGA TOUR win after several close finishes, including six runner-up results and 42 top-10s since 1983.

Bhatia, a two-time PGA TOUR winner, recorded two birdies and a bogey in his opening four holes before playing steady golf with 14 consecutive pars. His performance keeps him firmly in the mix going into the weekend, in only his second appearance at this event, where he finished T-12 in 2024.

Meanwhile, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, fresh off his Open Championship win, sits at 7-under after a second-round 66, despite three bogeys on the back nine. He is tied for seventh with Bud Cauley, Jacob Bridgeman, and Maverick McNealy, who had not completed his round due to weather delays.

Aaron Rai, another player of Indian origin, carded 70 and 69, putting him at T-39. He currently ranks 55th in the FedExCup standings and will need to crack the Top 50 to qualify for the next round of playoffs.

Kurt Kitayama made a big move with a 63, bringing him into the top five and continuing his late-season surge following his win at the 3M Open--weather disruptions, including lightning, forced the suspension of play and the evacuation of spectators.

As the tournament heads into the weekend, all eyes will be on Bhatia and Fleetwood--one looking to continue his rise, the other to finally break through.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
That 14 consecutive pars streak shows incredible consistency under pressure. Fleetwood better watch out - Bhatia's playing smart golf while others are taking risks.
A
Ananya R
As someone new to golf, I'm thrilled to see Indian representation at this level! But can someone explain why Fleetwood hasn't won yet despite so many top finishes? 🤔
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Vikram M
Solid play by Bhatia, but he needs to be more aggressive on moving day. Pars won't cut it when Fleetwood is shooting 63s. Hope he goes for more birdies tomorrow!
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Karthik V
The weather disruptions might actually help Bhatia - gives him time to regroup. Remember how he finished strong last year after similar delays. Fingers crossed! 🤞
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Priya S
Between Bhatia and Aaron Rai, it's great to see multiple players of Indian heritage competing at the highest level. Golf needs more diversity and these guys are leading the way!
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Michael C
As a golf fan from Memphis, I must say Bhatia's composure is impressive for his age. That bogey on the 4th didn't rattle him at all. Future star in the making!

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