Jackson
Akshay Bhatia had a rough start at the 2025 Sanderson Farms Championship, finishing the opening round tied for 88th. He shot an even-par round and will need a strong second day to stay in the tournament.
Bhatia, who came in as a betting favourite, made back-to-back bogeys on the 7th and 8th holes and turned in 2-over. He bounced back with birdies on the 10th, 12th, and 13th, but dropped more shots on the 14th and 16th. A birdie on the 15th wasn’t enough to lift him into the top half of the leaderboard.
Meanwhile, Eric Cole, Sam Ryder, Danny Walker, and Garrick Higgo share the lead after impressive 7-under 65 rounds. Ryder played bogey-free, while Walker ended with two late birdies. Cole hit 10 birdies despite a double bogey, and Higgo looked sharp after coming back from an injury.
The event is part of the FedExCup Fall series, where players outside the top 100 aim to secure full playing rights for next season. Ryder is ranked No. 110, and Walker No. 104. Walker has missed eight straight cuts but now looks to turn things around.
