CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Akshay Bhatia delivered a steady bogey-free opening round at the Truist Championship on Thursday, shooting a 3-under 68 at Quail Hollow Club to sit tied for 13th.
Weather interruptions disrupted the first day of play, but Bhatia stayed composed and kept his scorecard clean. Starting on the back nine, the Indian American golfer made three birdies and avoided major mistakes throughout the round.
Bhatia birdied the second, 15th and 18th holes, using strong approach play and consistent putting to remain within range of the early leaders. His iron play was among the best in the field, and he ranked second in greens in regulation after the opening day.
Sahith Theegala was also in the field and was tied for 30th at 1-under when play was suspended because of poor weather. The Indian American golfer had completed 15 holes and had three remaining in his first round.
Theegala opened with a birdie on the third hole but slipped with back-to-back bogeys on the eighth and ninth. He recovered on the back nine with birdies on the 10th and 12th holes before heavy rain forced officials to stop play for the day.
Sudarshan Yellamaraju shot an even-par 71 and was tied for 33rd. He also began on the back nine and finished with two birdies and two bogeys.
Matt McCarty held the clubhouse lead after a strong 8-under 63. The American made nine birdies and one bogey while navigating difficult conditions. He opened quickly on the back nine with five birdies, added more on the front side and closed with three straight birdies after a bogey on the sixth.
Sungjae Im was one shot behind at 7-under through 17 holes when play was suspended. He had made five birdies over his first six holes.
Rory McIlroy, playing after a short break, shot a 1-under 70. The reigning Masters champion made 17 straight pars before closing with a birdie to move into a tie for 30th.
Matt Fitzpatrick struggled to a 3-over 74, while his brother Alex Fitzpatrick shot a 67 to move inside the top 10. Cameron Young and Tommy Fleetwood also remained in contention after strong opening rounds despite the weather delays. (Source: IANS)
