Bhatia starts strong, tied third at Truist Championship

Flourtown

Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia impressed with a seven-under-par 63 in the opening round of the Truist Championship at the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course. His strong start placed him tied for third with Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka. He trails leader Keith Mitchell by two shots and Denny McCarthy by one.

Mitchell, playing as a sponsor exemption, set a new course record with a blistering 61, breaking the previous best of 65. Mitchell's performance highlighted the day in this $20 million PGA Tour Signature Event.

Bhatia, who finished third at The Players earlier this year, showcased top form by hitting 10 birdies — the most in the field — despite three bogeys. He began on the back nine, birdied the 10th hole with a 19-foot putt, and followed with five straight birdies from the 13th to the 17th.

On the front nine, Bhatia recovered from bogeys on the first and eighth holes by making birdies on the fourth, fifth, sixth, and ninth, including a 13-foot closing putt. His precise iron play and putting accuracy placed him tied first in putts per green in regulation.

Indo-British golfer Aaron Rai also had a solid start, finishing five under and tied 11th. Indian-American Sahith Theegala shot a one-under 69 and tied for 55th.

Rory McIlroy, playing his first solo event since winning the Masters and completing the career Grand Slam, carded a 66. A total of 64 players finished under par on day one of the tournament.