Round three of the BMW Championship concluded Saturday evening, with many attempting to enter in the top 30 FedEx playoff standings. Through the entire field we saw many highlights, but none better than the ace by Akshay Bhatia on the 17th hole. Not only did Bhatia grab his first ever hole-in-one within the PGA Tour, but also will be awarded a BMW iX for his achievement. It doesn’t stop there for his shine, now being able to provide a full scholarship to a desiring young caddie in his name. Presented by BMW of North America, and now being the influence of young career as a caddie.
Perfection Is Key
Perfection is the best word to describe the 17th hole for Bhatia Saturday evening. As mentioned, the top 30 in the FedEx Cup advance to the Tour Championship, the ultimate goal. Bhatia came into this tournament ranked 27th and is still making bursts to better his position. His play on the 17th hole was a strong start at a hopeful continuance in his season.
“I don’t really necessarily need a new car. I’m pretty happy with what I’ve got,” the 23-year-old Bhatia 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.”
That care for others extends to a deeper level, and his lone ace of the day was able to showcase that. An eye opening amount of $125,000 will now go from BMW to the Evan’s Scholars Foundation, a scholarship for future caddies. Not only did the talent of Bhatia serve for a greater good, but also helped his positioning within the leader-boards. Needing to stay alive, hitting an ace was a solid momentum booster.
Better Late Than Never
With this being the first ever PGA Tour ace in the career of Bhatia, it has been the talk of round three and rightly so. With two career Tour victories since Turing pro in 2019, Bhatia has the advantage of youth. Only 23-years-old in age, he is searching for another highlight to his already strong career.
“When that golf ball went in, it was the craziest thing in the world. My caddie was pointing at the car and I’m like, don’t even know what to do,” Bhatia said. “I couldn’t even feel my body. Still, even going to 18 tee was pretty nuts how much adrenaline I had.”
With the fourth and final round to take place Sunday morning, Bhatia finds himself in a two way tie for 22nd place with Brian Harman. Anything is possible as the field stands closer than many expected, but still much work for the veteran ahead of round four. The Evan’s Scholars Foundation having been founded by Chick Evans in 1930, the light is bright once again. One lucky caddie will now be blessed with a scholarship, due to the career achieving ace by Bhatia and company.
Main Photo Credit: © Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
