Akshay Bhatia fired a career-low 8-under 62 to take the first-round lead at the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship, the opening event of the PGA Tour playoffs. Tommy Fleetwood sits one shot back at 7-under, while Bud Cauley, Justin Rose, and Harry Hall are tied for third at 6-under. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler posted a solid 3-under 67 to sit five shots back, while defending champion Hideki Matsuyama struggled to a 1-under 69. With only the top 50 advancing to next week's BMW Championship and securing 2026 Signature Event exemptions, every shot carries significant weight in Memphis.
2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship First Round Results: Bhatia Leads, Scheffler Five Back
🏆 First Round Leaderboard at TPC Southwind
The first round of the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship is complete at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia took advantage of perfect scoring conditions to post a blistering 8-under 62, his career-low round on the PGA Tour.
| Position | Player | Score | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Akshay Bhatia | -8 (62) | USA |
| 2nd | Tommy Fleetwood | -7 (63) | England |
| T3 | Bud Cauley | -6 (64) | USA |
| T3 | Justin Rose | -6 (64) | England |
| T3 | Harry Hall | -6 (64) | England |
| 6th | Si Woo Kim | -5 (65) | South Korea |
🔥 Bhatia's Brilliant 62 Steals the Show
Starting the week at No. 45 in the FedExCup standings, Akshay Bhatia knew he needed a strong performance to secure his spot in the top 50. The 23-year-old delivered in spectacular fashion, posting a bogey-free round that included eight birdies and an eagle on the par-5 16th hole.
Bhatia's round was highlighted by a spectacular finish, playing his final three holes in 4-under par. After sticking his approach to eight feet on the 16th for eagle, he followed with consecutive birdies on 17 and 18 to surge past the field and establish a commanding lead.
• Fairways Hit: 10/14 (71%)
• Greens in Regulation: 15/18 (83%)
• Putts: 27 (1.5 per hole)
• Longest Putt Made: 26 feet on 17th hole
⭐ Elite Players' First Round Performance
Scottie Scheffler - Solid but Unspectacular 67
The world No. 1 and defending FedExCup champion posted a steady 3-under 67 in his first round back since winning The Open Championship. Scheffler hit 10 fairways and 13 greens but struggled on the greens, making all four of his birdies from inside eight feet.
Xander Schauffele - Steady Start at 68
The 2024 PGA Championship and Open Championship winner posted a 2-under 68, showing signs of the form that made him a runner-up at this event last year. Schauffele, currently No. 42 in the FedExCup standings, needs a strong week to advance to the top 30.
Defending Champion Hideki Matsuyama - Slow Start
Last year's champion struggled to a 1-under 69, well off the pace set by the leaders. Matsuyama, who dramatically won this event with birdies on his final two holes after a back-nine collapse, will need to find his form quickly to contend for a repeat victory.
Justin Thomas - Mixed Bag with 68
The former world No. 1 posted a 2-under 68, showing flashes of the form that won him the RBC Heritage earlier this season. Thomas has been inconsistent lately but remains one of the best putters on tour, ranking first in putting average.
📈 FedExCup Playoffs Format and Stakes
Three-Event Championship Series
The FedExCup Playoffs consist of three progressive events that determine the season-long champion:
• Field: Top 70 players
• Advancing: Top 50 to BMW Championship
• Prize Pool: $20 million (Winner: $3.6 million)
• Dates: August 6-10, 2025
• Field: Top 50 players
• Advancing: Top 30 to TOUR Championship
• Benefit: 2026 Signature Events exemption for all 50 players
• Field: Top 30 players
• Winner: FedExCup Champion ($10 million bonus)
• Format: No starting strokes (new for 2025)
🎯 Bubble Watch: Players Fighting for Top 50
Players Moving Up
Rickie Fowler (-4, T7): Started the week at No. 64 and needs a top-17 finish to advance. His opening 66 puts him in great position to make a move up the leaderboard.
Bud Cauley (-6, T3): The American veteran started outside the top 50 but vaulted into contention with his bogey-free 64. A strong finish could secure his playoff future.
Players Under Pressure
Min Woo Lee (+3, 69th): The bubble boy at No. 50 entering the week got off to a disastrous start with a 3-over front nine. He needs a miraculous turnaround to advance.
Jordan Spieth (-1, T27): The three-time major champion sits at No. 48 and needs consistent play to secure his spot. His opening 69 keeps him in the hunt but leaves little margin for error.
🏌️ TPC Southwind Course Analysis
Course Details
Total Yardage: 7,288 yards (longest in history)
Par: 70
Designer: Ron Prichard
Opened: 1988
First Round Conditions
Temperature: 90°F (32°C)
Humidity: High
Wind: Light breeze
Course Condition: Perfect
TPC Southwind features water hazards on 11 holes, demanding precision and course management. The signature par-3 11th hole, with its peninsula green, has been a tournament-defining hole in recent years. The course rewards accurate driving and solid iron play into small targets.
• Scoring Average: 69.8 (0.2 under par)
• Birdies: 284 total
• Eagles: 8 total
• Easiest Hole: 16th (Par 5, 4.65 average)
• Hardest Hole: 11th (Par 3, 3.31 average)
🔮 Second Round Preview and Predictions
Can Bhatia Maintain His Lead?
Bhatia has shown flashes of brilliance this season but has struggled with consistency under pressure. His T-25 finish at the 3M Open after leading through three rounds highlights the mental challenges he faces. However, his desperation to secure top-50 status could work in his favor.
Scheffler's Inevitable Charge
History suggests that the world No. 1 will make his move in the second round. Scheffler has been remarkably consistent in 2025, with 13 top-10 finishes in 16 starts. His methodical approach and improved putting make him the favorite to challenge for the lead.
Weather and Course Setup
Friday's forecast calls for continued hot and humid conditions with potential afternoon thunderstorms. The early starters may have an advantage with softer greens and less wind. Tournament officials may need to adjust pin positions if scores continue to be low.
• Projected Cut Line: 2-under par
• Predicted Leader After 36 Holes: 12-under par
• Players Most Likely to Charge: Scheffler, McIlroy, Fleetwood
🎞️ St. Jude Championshop 1ROUND Highlights
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why is finishing in the top 50 so important?
The top 50 players after this event advance to the BMW Championship and secure exemptions to all eight 2026 Signature Events. These tournaments offer $20 million purses and guaranteed spots for the world's best players, representing millions in potential earnings.
Q2. What happened to Rory McIlroy?
The world No. 2 chose to skip the FedEx St. Jude Championship despite being automatically qualified. McIlroy cited fatigue and wanting to be fresh for the final two playoff events where he has historically performed well.
Q3. How does the new TOUR Championship format work?
For 2025, the TOUR Championship eliminates starting strokes. All 30 players will begin at even par, making it a pure 72-hole stroke-play event where the tournament winner also claims the FedExCup title.
Q4. What makes TPC Southwind challenging?
The course features water hazards on 11 holes and demands precision off the tee. At 7,288 yards, it's the longest layout in tournament history, requiring both distance and accuracy to score well.
Q5. Can Bhatia win his first PGA Tour title?
While leading after one round, Bhatia has struggled with closing out tournaments this season. His best chance lies in continuing his aggressive approach while managing the pressure of being in contention at a playoff event.
🎯 Conclusion and Weekend Outlook
The opening round of the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship delivered everything fans could hope for: spectacular golf from Akshay Bhatia, steady play from the world's best, and plenty of drama as players fight for their playoff lives. Bhatia's career-low 62 sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting week in Memphis.
While Bhatia holds the early lead, the presence of Scottie Scheffler just five shots back ensures that the tournament is far from decided. The world No. 1 has shown time and again that he can quickly make up ground, especially in high-pressure situations like the playoffs.
The real drama, however, lies in the battle for the 50th and final spot to advance to the BMW Championship. With players like Min Woo Lee and Jordan Spieth fighting for their playoff lives, every shot over the next three days carries enormous weight for their 2026 seasons.
Related Tags:
댓글 쓰기