Atlanta, August 30: Akshay Bhatia lost two bogeys at the end of the back nine, finishing tied for 22nd among 29 players in the third round of the Tour Championship.
After starting the second round in a tie for 11th, Bhatia scored a 1-over 71, bringing his total to 5-under after rounds of 65, 69, and 71.
Bhatia dropped a shot on the fifth hole but regained it on the twelfth. However, consecutive bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes set him back, despite making a birdie on the 17th.
With one round remaining, Bhatia has secured his spot in all four majors for the next season due to his qualification for the Tour Championship.
Victor Hovland made an impressive performance, sinking four birdie putts from seven feet or more in his last six consecutive putts, finishing with a score of 5-under 65. He took a one-shot lead in the season’s final event, which proved to be quite challenging.
Hovland ultimately made two eight-foot birdie putts, bringing his score to 15-under 195, just ahead of new Tour player Ryan Gerard, who played bogey-free for a score of 66.
Scotty Scheffler (66) and Chris Gotterup (67), who together have won five PGA Tour titles this year, were three shots behind at 12-under 198. They were joined by 46-year-old Adam Scott and Ludwig Aberg, both seeking their first win of the year with scores of 65.
Rory McIlroy also competed, making two bogeys and finishing with a score of 63, getting within five shots despite a par on the par-5 18th hole. Cameron Young struggled with a double bogey on the tenth hole, finishing with a round of 68.
The stakes are high on the final day, with a $10 million prize on the line, the largest official amount for a single tournament in golf.
Hovland showcased his best on the greens, making an 11-foot birdie on the 13th hole, an 18-foot par save on the 14th, an 11-foot birdie on the 15th, a 7-foot par putt on the 16th, and his final birdie.
Gerard played well, especially on the back nine, making birdies on both par 5s and staying in contention for his first win of the year.
McIlroy also started seven shots back, with little to lose. Scheffler played bogey-free but expressed regret over missing several birdie opportunities from 8 to 12 feet. He has been consistently performing this season, nearing the career money list position previously held by Tiger Woods.