By At the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, Akshay Bhatia finished the first round in the lead with an impressive eight-under-par 64, while England’s Aaron Rai is just two shots behind. Bhatia’s remarkable finish included four birdies and a spectacular eagle from 83 feet in his last seven holes.
Bhatia, a two-time PGA Tour winner with the Texas Open under his belt, continued his strong form from last week’s Travelers Championship. Close behind him are Taylor Montgomery and Michael Kim, trailing by just one stroke. Montgomery, returning from a shoulder injury, expressed his surprise at his own performance after a long break from the game.
The tournament has seen low scores in the past, with Tony Finau setting a record at 26-under two years ago, and Rickie Fowler winning in a playoff last year at 24-under. Fowler, who shot a 66 with three consecutive birdies to finish, acknowledged the added pressure of being both a brand ambassador and the defending champion.
Other notable players like Will Zalatoris, Eric Cole, and Matti Schmid matched Rai’s 66, while Cameron Young and Neal Shipley are not far behind. The event also highlighted the young talent of 15-year-old Miles Russell, who made history as the youngest player to make a cut in the Korn Ferry Tour history, showcasing maturity beyond his years on the course.
The second round promises to be exciting, with Rai and others in close contention, and fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports Golf. The tournament continues to be a showcase of skill and nerve, with players aiming to etch their names alongside past champions. The stage is set for another thrilling day at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
