Akshay Bhatia made headlines on Saturday at the BMW Championship, held at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland, by recording his first hole-in-one on the PGA Tour. His ace came during the third round on the 227-yard 17th hole and elevated him to even par for the tournament, helping him complete a 4-under-par 66. This score was the best round of the day and marked an important moment in Bhatia’s season.
Potential Impact on FedEx Cup Standings and Tour Championship Entry
Although Bhatia was not in contention to win the tournament, this significant shot could influence the remainder of his year. Coming into the event ranked 29th in the FedEx Cup standings, Bhatia’s hole-in-one could be the crucial factor in securing his place among the top 30 golfers who will advance to next week’s Tour Championship. With his position fluctuating between 29th and 31st throughout the round, every stroke counted as he aimed to keep his spot.
Emotional Significance and Rewards from the Hole-in-One
At just 23 years old, Bhatia reflected on this being his sixth career hole-in-one but noted none felt quite as meaningful as this one. Along with the achievement, he was awarded a BMW luxury SUV. More notably, the tournament’s title sponsor pledged to provide a full, four-year college scholarship to a youth caddie through the Evans Scholars Foundation, directly tying Bhatia’s shot to an opportunity for a young caddie.
“When that golf ball goes in, it was the craziest thing in the world,”
Bhatia said.
“My caddie was pointing at the car and I’m like, don’t even know what to do. I couldn’t even feel my body.”
— Akshay Bhatia, PGA Tour Player
Bhatia admitted he did not have immediate plans for the new vehicle.
“I don’t really necessarily need a new car. I’m pretty happy with what I’ve got,”
he said.
“I think either I’ll give it to my caddie or figure something out to where I can donate it to charity or something.”
— Akshay Bhatia, PGA Tour Player
He expressed particular joy about the opportunity his achievement created for the young caddie.
“It’s the coolest thing. It warms my heart that a golf shot that I hit can help a kid get a full scholarship,”
Bhatia remarked.
“Again, it was a lot of fun. This event is amazing when the kids and the caddies get to come walk with us inside the ropes for two days. I just am very blessed and thankful for that opportunity that Evans Scholars provided this week.”
— Akshay Bhatia, PGA Tour Player
Momentum on the Course and Staying Focused on Competition
Earlier in the round, Bhatia also holed out for an eagle at the par-4 seventh hole, using a sand wedge. Building on his momentum with a birdie at the 16th hole, he then executed the hole-in-one on his tee shot at the 17th with a 5-iron. The ball landed just short of the pin before rolling into the cup, a shot that energized his play that day.
Despite the excitement surrounding the ace, Bhatia maintained a grounded approach about his performance and standing.
“I could have made two straight birdies to finish the round (instead of one ace),”
he reflected.
“I’m not going to say that one shot — it obviously certainly helps, but there’s still 18 holes tomorrow, so I’m just going to go try and play my best tomorrow.”
— Akshay Bhatia, PGA Tour Player
He admitted to keeping an eye on his FedEx Cup ranking during his play but remained focused on the task at hand.
“I try not to, but I do. Even when I’m putting, I try and see where my FedEx is projected,”
Bhatia said.
“Again, something that I’m aware of and need to, again, focus on what I’m trying to do. But just the nature of the game. You just want to know where you’re at. Again, I’m not going to leave anything on the table tomorrow.”
— Akshay Bhatia, PGA Tour Player
Looking Ahead: What This Moment Means for Bhatia’s Season
Akshay Bhatia’s hole-in-one during the BMW Championship could mark a turning point in his season, potentially securing his berth in the upcoming Tour Championship—an elite event that includes only the top 30 players in the FedEx Cup standings. Given how closely Bhatia’s ranking hovered near the cutline, every stroke, especially this remarkable ace, holds added importance. His combination of composure and determination suggest he will remain closely engaged as the tournament concludes, aiming to maintain or improve his standing.
Furthermore, the broader impact of his shot extends beyond personal achievement, as it contributes to supporting youth through the Evans Scholars Foundation, highlighting the communal and charitable spirit embedded in professional golf.