Key Points

Akshay Bhatia delivered a strong performance with a bogey-free 66, moving into a tie for fifth at the Charles Schwab Challenge. Leaders Ben Griffin and Matt Schmid remain tied at 11-under after matching 63s. Scottie Scheffler barely made the cut, extending his streak to 55 consecutive events. Meanwhile, Aaron Rai narrowly missed the weekend by one stroke.

Key Points: Akshay Bhatia Tied-5th at Charles Schwab Challenge After Bogey-Free 66

  • Bhatia climbs to tied-5th with bogey-free 66
  • Leaders Griffin and Schmid share lead at 11-under
  • Scottie Scheffler barely makes cut at 10 shots back
  • Aaron Rai misses cut by one stroke
2 min read

Indian-American Bhatia Tied-5th on PGA Tour

Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia climbs to tied-5th with a flawless 4-under 66 at the Charles Schwab Challenge, trailing leaders Griffin and Schmid.

"Bhatia played a bogey-free round with four birdies, sitting four shots behind the leaders. – PGA Tour Report"

Fort Worth, May 24

Akshay Bhatia shot a superb second round 4-under 66 to go up to tied fifth at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Fort Worth.

The Indian-origin player Bhatia played a bogey free round with four birdies. He had two birdies on each side of the turn at the Colonial Country Club.

Bhatia picked up his first birdie of the round on the fifth hole and then followed that with another on the sixth. On the back nine Bhatia gained two more shots on the 12th and 16th holes. Bhatia's total after two days is seven-under par and is sitting four behind the leaders, Ben Griffin (63) and Matt Schmid (63).

Indo-British Aaron Rai played one-over par for the day. Having played a round of even par on the first day, he was one-over for two days and the cut for the tournament fell at even par. Rai missed out by one.

First day leaders John Pak dropped down to third with a total score of nine under par as Ben Griffin and Matti Schmid continue to have identical scores for both the first and second rounds to share the lead at 11 under par.

Griffin made eight birdies and one bogey for his round of seven under on the second day while Schmid played a bogey free round with seven birdies for his score.

Griffin won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans a month ago with Andrew Novak. Schmid, 27, is seeking his first TOUR victory.

The leaders are five ahead of Rickie Fowler, who made the turn in 29 before settling for a 64. Fowler has just one victory since 2019, the Rocket Classic two years ago.

Scottie Scheffler, who won the PGA Championship last weekend, shot 71 and was 10 shots off the lead as the world No. 1 tries to become the first player since Dustin Johnson in 2017 to win three consecutive starts.

It was close, but Scheffler made the cut with a shot to spare, which extended his streak to 55, second to Xander Schauffele's 64.

Jordan Spieth birdied the 17th and made the cut on the number at even par.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a performance by Akshay Bhatia! 🇮🇳 So proud to see Indian-origin players excelling in global sports. Hope he can maintain this momentum and maybe even clinch the title! That bogey-free round shows incredible composure.
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Priya M.
It's amazing how Bhatia is holding his own against top players like Scheffler and Fowler. Just 4 shots behind the leaders - anything can happen in golf! Wishing him luck for the weekend rounds 🏌️‍♂️
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Ankit S.
While Bhatia's performance is commendable, I wish Indian media would also highlight our homegrown golfers more. We have talent in India too that needs recognition and support.
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Sanjana R.
That back nine performance was clutch! Birdies on 12 and 16 show he can handle pressure. Hope he gets more coverage in India - golf needs more attention beyond cricket 🏏
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Vikram J.
Interesting to see two Indian-origin players in the same tournament (Bhatia and Rai). Shows how the diaspora is making waves in sports worldwide. Though Rai missed the cut, both are making us proud!
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Neha P.
The leaders at 11-under are playing out of their minds! But Bhatia at T5 is still in contention. Golf is such an unpredictable sport - one great round and he could be leading. Fingers crossed! 🤞

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