Bhatia stays in contention at Phoenix Open as Theegala sits T-16

Akshay Bhatia stayed firmly in the hunt at the WM Phoenix Open with another steady round, while Sahith Theegala’s bid for a late push toward the PGA TOUR’s Signature Events remains alive heading into Sunday at TPC Scottsdale.

Bhatia followed his second-round 67 with another 4-under 67 to move into a tie for sixth at 11-under. The Indian-American, coming off two missed cuts in his previous starts, showed growing control early with three birdies in his first five holes. Further gains at the 15th and 17th kept him close, though three bogeys across the inward stretch prevented a bigger move up the board.

Theegala carded an even-par 70 and sits tied 16th at 8-under. A pair of late bogeys stalled his momentum, leaving him outside the top 10 — a key target as he looks to strengthen his position for upcoming $20 million Signature Events such as Pebble Beach and Riviera.

After an injury-hit 2025 that saw him fall to 146th in the FedExCup Fall standings, Theegala has shown signs of a reset this season with early finishes of T31, T8 and T7. Phoenix has been more uneven — rounds of 70, 65 and 70 — but another strong Sunday could still deliver a valuable result.

At the top, Hideki Matsuyama edged into a one-shot lead with a 68, while Ryo Hisatsune slipped back late. Nicolai Højgaard and Maverick McNealy posted 65s to stay in close pursuit, with a crowded leaderboard setting up a wide-open final round.

Photo – PGA Tour