Akshay Bhatia Leads Intense FedEx St Jude Championship, Eyes Top 50 Advancement

The 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship opened with high anticipation as the first event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs unfolded at TPC Southwind in Memphis. With a field of 69 of the top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings, the tournament kicked off with notable absence of Rory McIlroy. However, the competition remained fierce with top contenders like Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, and Viktor Hovland in attendance.

The initial battle in Memphis is critical as players jockey for the coveted top 50 spots to advance to the next week's BMW Championship at Caves Valley. Securing a place in the top 50 not only keeps the possibility of a Tour Championship alive but also guarantees participation in the eight signature events of the 2026 PGA Tour, which comes with significant perks, including no cuts and substantial prize money. The intense competition saw Rickie Fowler, Tony Finau, and Aaron Rai among those striving to climb into the top 50, while players like Min Woo Lee, Wyndham Clark, and Jordan Spieth were defending their positions at the borderline.

The opening round showcased a spectacular performance by Akshay Bhatia, who took the lead with an impressive 8-under 62, narrowly missing the course record by a single stroke. Tommy Fleetwood trailed Bhatia by one stroke after a stellar finish with four consecutive birdies. This put Fleetwood in a strong position among a closely competitive field that included seasoned players like Justin Rose, Bud Cauley, and Harry Hall, all tied at 6-under.

Defending FedEx Cup champion Scottie Scheffler remained a favorite, despite finishing the first round with a 67. His performance was closely monitored as he aims to add another victory to his already impressive 2025 season. Other notable performances came from Mackenzie Hughes, who navigated an 81-foot bogey putt on the 14th hole, providing a memorable highlight of the round.

Viktor Hovland faced a challenging start, marking a sharp contrast to his previous year's performance, while Min Woo Lee's first round left him struggling to maintain his top-50 status. Jordan Spieth's effort to stay within the advancing group dropped him to 50th in projected standings after a round of 1-under 69.

Rickie Fowler showed resilience, recording a bogey-free 4-under 66. His strong start was crucial as he worked to climb from his starting position at 64th to within the top 50. Fowler's steady play has projected him to advance, joining Bud Cauley, who put in a solid round with eight birdies.

The drama of the FedEx Cup Playoffs is palpable, with every shot carrying significant weight. This atmosphere creates an intriguing narrative around each player's journey to secure their spots in subsequent playoff stages. Akshay Bhatia's early lead and Tommy Fleetwood's pursuit add layers to the unfolding story at the St. Jude Championship.

Throughout the tournament, TPC Southwind's challenges have kept players strategizing and adapting, with the course conditions adding an additional layer of complexity. The continuous adjustments in leaderboard positions demonstrate the fluid dynamics of tournament golf at this level, heralding an exciting continuation as the playoffs progress.

With three more rounds remaining, the FedEx St. Jude Championship promises a captivating battle, where emerging winners will not only gain a significant foothold in the FedEx Cup standings but also get a step closer to the ultimate prize at the season's finale at East Lake. As it stands, seasoned veterans, emerging talents and dark horses alike are all set to play pivotal roles in shaping this year's FedEx Cup race.