Akshay Bhatia

Did Akshay Bhatia Just Set the FedEx St. Jude Championship Ablaze?

Fahad Hamid

When you think of 2025’s FedEx St. Jude Championship, one name rings louder than others this week: Akshay Bhatia. The rising star seemingly decided he was done being “the guy who almost made it” and sent shockwaves through PGA Tour circles with an electrifying opening 62. Yes, the dude just went full scorched earth to take the lead, leaving golf purists and fans alike wondering if this was the dawn of the Bhatia Era.

Who is Akshay Bhatia, and Why Should You Care?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, quick refresher. Akshay Bhatia isn’t just a random wildcard. Known for his smooth swing and serious potential, he’s one of those young(er) players everyone whispers about in clubhouse bars as “the next big thing.” Sure, his 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of solid starts, missed cuts, and enough self-deprecating dialogue to make Larry David proud, but when he clicks, he really clicks.

And oh boy, did he click at TPC Southwind.

Bhatia’s Jaw-Dropping Round

To say Bhatia caught fire on Thursday would be like saying lava is “lukewarm.” The man started his round with four birdies on the front nine. Just when you thought he pulled out every trick in the book, he dropped an eagle-3 on the ridiculously challenging par-5 16th hole because, apparently, playing it safe isn’t in his vocabulary this week. While others like Fleetwood and Cauley were trying to keep pace, Bhatia sealed his place atop the leaderboard with back-to-back no-nonsense birdies on 17 and 18.

Even that single bogey on 12 felt more like a dramatic plot twist than a real misstep.

The Comeback Story We Didn’t Know We Needed

Here’s the kicker. Bhatia started 2025 with sparks of brilliance but quickly found himself gritting through slumps and battling self-doubt. His confession this week about obsessively checking his FedEx Cup and world ranking stats? Relatable AF. “This game can consume your life,” he admitted. “I’m just trying to figure out ways to change that.”

Golf may not require trash talk, but this RB (Resting Bhatia) mode feels personal—with an 8-under-62 to hush the noise.

Why Bhatia’s 62 Matters

Akshay Bhatia
Akshay Bhatia watches his drive after teeing off on the first hole during the first round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tenn., on August 7, 2025. Credits: © Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Okay, sure. An epic first round doesn’t mean he’s already bagged the trophy. Shrinking from competition at this point would be premature, given the cutthroat nature of FedEx Cup playoffs. But for context:

  • Best Tour Round This Year: Bhatia’s opening 62 wasn’t just a personal flex; it outranked his already impressive 63 at Truist.
  • FedEx Playoff Stakes: Currently hammering from 45th position, he looks poised to blast into the top 50 cutoff for the BMW Championship next week.

The Rest of the Playing Field

While Akshay grabbed headlines, golf remains a game of inches and anything-can-happen vibes:

  • Tommy Fleetwood: Cool guy, strong 63 finish, birdied last four holes with a casual shrug.
  • Bud Cauley: Not quite stealing the spotlight but nipping at Bhatia’s heels one solid 64 at a time.
  • Scottie Scheffler: Oh, Mr. World No. 1? Barely squeaked out of Round 1, missing a gimme putt on 18. Chains unbroken, though (for now).

Bigger Picture for FedEx St. Jude

Here’s the real tea. This isn’t just a match; it’s a showcase of grit vs glory. The FedEx Cup playoffs leave no room for slouching. With $20 million up for grabs and spots in the BMW Championship on the line, every swing echoes high stakes.

Akshay Bhatia might not win the crown just yet, but he sure as hell flashed sovereign potential. If you’re not hyped yet for where his game goes next week, are you even watching golf?

More Great Content