Akshay Bhatia maintained his strong performance at the WM Phoenix Open golf championship, delivering a second consecutive 4-under 67 that positioned him in a tie for sixth as he heads into the final round at TPC Scottsdale. Despite facing challenges in his previous tournaments, where he missed the cut, Bhatia displayed resilience and composure on the course, demonstrating improved control throughout his round.
Bhatia kicked off his day with three birdies in the first five holes, further extending his score with birdies on the 15th and 17th. Although he faced difficulty with three bogeys on the ninth, 11th, and 14th holes, his solid overall performance keeps him well within reach of the leaders as he aims for a strong finish on Sunday.
Sahith Theegala is also in contention, sitting tied for 16th after an even-par 70 that brought his total to 8-under. Theegala experienced an inconsistent round marked by two late bogeys, which hindered his attempt to climb into the top 10 — an accomplishment that would bolster his entry into the PGA TOUR’s lucrative Signature Events, including the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Genesis Invitational. Having struggled with injuries in the previous season, Theegala is optimistic, with early-season finishes signaling a rebound in his form.
The world’s number one golfer, Scottie Scheffler, follows closely behind, sitting five shots off the lead after posting a 67. Hideki Matsuyama leads the tournament by one stroke, showcasing impressive play with a 3-under 68. Notably, Nicolai Højgaard and Maverick McNealy made significant moves with late rounds of 65, while Si Woo Kim contributed an eagle in his 66, ensuring a competitive atmosphere heading into the final round.
In this tightly packed leaderboard, the performance of Bhatia and Theegala highlights the growing presence of Indian-origin golfers in the PGA, signaling a bright future in the sport. As their campaigns continue, fans can look forward to their potential impact in the coming signature events.