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Key Points

The Sanderson Farms Championship kicked off with an unexpected four-way lead by Eric Cole, Sam Ryder, Danny Walker, and Garrick Higgo. Betting favorite Akshay Bhatia struggled, finishing the first round with an even-par 72. The tournament represents a critical opportunity for players like Walker to secure their tour cards. With the Fall season in full swing, every stroke counts in this competitive PGA Tour event.

Key Points: Akshay Bhatia Struggles as Cole Ryder Walker Lead Sanderson Farms

  • Akshay Bhatia starts slow with even-par 72
  • Four golfers share lead at 7-under 65
  • Danny Walker aims to recover from missed cuts
  • Sanderson Farms Championship crucial for tour card
2 min read

Slow start for Akshay Bhatia, four-way lead at Sanderson Farms

Akshay Bhatia struggles in opening round while Eric Cole, Sam Ryder, Danny Walker, and Garrick Higgo share PGA Tour lead

"Four-way tie highlights unpredictable first round - Golf Analyst"

Jackson (USA), Oct 3

Akshay Bhatia had a disappointing start despite an even par card on the opening day of the 2025 Sanderson Farms Championship in the Fall season of the PGA Tour. Bhatia, who posted an even-par 72 in the opening round, was tied for 88th at the Country Club of Jackson.

Bhatia, entering as the betting favourite, bogeyed the seventh and the eighth and turned in 2-over. Birdies on the 10th, 12th and 13th saw him get under par, but bogeys on the 14th and 16th dashed those hopes despite a birdie in between on the 15th.

Bhatia needs a fast start on the second day tomorrow to move up the leader board and stay in the tournament.

There was a four-way tie for the lead, with Eric Cole, Sam Ryder, Danny Walker, and Garrick Higgo all sharing the first-round lead at 7-under 65.

Ryder played bogey-free and Danny Walker finished with a pair of birdies. Cole managed 10 birdies, which helped offset a double bogey late in the round, and Garrick Higgo continued to show strides after an injury that slowed his progress after a win earlier this year.

Ryder is at No. 110 in the FedExCup, while Walker is at No. 104. The Sanderson Farms Championship is part of the FedExCup Fall where players who did not reach the PGA TOUR's postseason have to finish in the top 100 to keep their full cards.

Walker tied for sixth in THE PLAYERS Championship, but the last five months have been miserable. He showed up at The Country Club of Jackson having missed eight straight cuts to fall out of the top 100.

Rasmus Hojgaard (69) was T-35, coming straight from New York and Ryder Cup victory in his debut for the European Team. He is at No. 87 and now turns his attention toward keeping his card.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Even par isn't terrible, but for a betting favorite, this is definitely below expectations. The inconsistency in his round is concerning - too many bogeys after making birdies.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see Eric Cole with 10 birdies! That's some aggressive golf. The FedExCup pressure must be intense for these players fighting for their cards.
A
Ananya R
As an Indian golf fan, it's tough to see Akshay struggle, but golf is a marathon, not a sprint. He has the talent to bounce back tomorrow! 🏌️‍♂️
D
David E
Danny Walker's story is inspiring - from missing 8 straight cuts to sharing the lead. Shows how quickly things can turn around in professional golf.
S
Siddharth J
The pressure on these players to maintain their Tour cards is immense. Respect to all of them competing under such circumstances. Hope Akshay finds his rhythm in round 2!

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