Bhatia opens strong at Phoenix Open as Gotterup grabs early lead

Akshay Bhatia made an encouraging start at the WM Phoenix Open, opening with a 3-under 68 to sit T-13 after the first round at TPC Scottsdale.

The Indian-American bounced back well after missing the cut in his previous two starts and put himself in the mix early in Arizona. Starting on the 10th tee, Bhatia bogeyed his first hole but responded quickly with birdies at the 13th and another steady run of scoring chances to settle into the round. He closed with a string of pars to stay firmly in contention.

Fellow Indian-American Sahith Theegala opened with an even-par 70 and was T-38. Theegala’s card included a highlight eagle on the par-5 15th after rolling in a 15-foot putt, but late bogeys on the closing holes brought him back to level par.

Indo-Canadian Sudarshan Yellamaraju struggled to a 3-over 74 and was T-105 as play was suspended due to fading light.

At the top, Chris Gotterup produced a bogey-free 8-under 63 to take a two-shot lead. The American was aggressive throughout, highlighted by a long eagle putt on the 13th and a closing birdie run that set the early pace.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler endured a rare off-day with a 2-over 73, leaving him well back at T-89, while Brooks Koepka continued to search for rhythm in a 75.

England’s Matt Fitzpatrick also featured near the top after a brilliant inward 29 helped him post 6-under 65.