MEMPHIS– Akshay Bhatia delivered a steady final round Sunday to finish tied for sixth at the St. Jude Championship, moving into the FedEx Cup’s Top 30 and keeping his Tour Championship hopes alive.
Bhatia closed with a 1-under 69 at TPC Southwind, capping a week that began with a blistering 8-under 62 in the opening round. His 10-under total left him six shots behind eventual winner Justin Rose, who edged JJ Spaun in a playoff.
The 22-year-old started strong Sunday with birdies at the second, third, and ninth holes. Bogeys at the seventh and 17th prevented a higher finish, but the result vaulted him 16 spots in the standings, from 45th to 29th — the second-largest jump of the week. The finish guarantees him a spot in next week’s BMW Championship and entry into all $20 million Signature Events in 2026.
Rose, 45, claimed his 12th PGA Tour title — and 24th worldwide victory — with a birdie on the third playoff hole. He surged into contention with four straight birdies from the 14th to 17th, finishing with a 67 to force extra holes. Spaun, who shot 65, matched him in regulation with a late birdie on 17 but fell short in the playoff.
Tommy Fleetwood, seeking his first PGA Tour win, led by two with three holes to play but bogeyed 17 and missed a key chance on 18, tying for third with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who posted his 12th consecutive top-eight finish since March.
Rickie Fowler also tied for sixth to secure advancement, while Kurt Kitayama, Jhonattan Vegas, and J.T. Poston played their way into the Top 50. Aaron Rai (T-22) fell short, ending the season 53rd.
The Top 50 are now locked for next season’s Signature Events. The playoffs continue at the BMW Championship, where only the Top 30 will advance to the Tour Championship. (Source: IANS)
