Akshay Bhatia remained firmly in contention at the WM Phoenix Open as he posted a second straight 4-under 67 at TPC Scottsdale on February 8, moving into a tie for sixth place heading into the final round. The young Indian-American showcased greater control and composure on this challenging course, staying closely within range of the tournament leaders on a tightly packed leaderboard.
Bhatia began his round strongly with three birdies within the first five holes, followed by additional gains at the 15th and 17th holes. He did, however, drop shots on the 9th, 11th, and 14th holes, which affected his upward momentum. Despite this, his overall position puts him in a prime spot to mount a serious charge for the title in Sunday’s decider.
Theegala’s Steady Play Keeps Signature Event Hopes Alive
Sahith Theegala recorded an even-par 70 during a fluctuating third round, placing him in a tie for 16th at 8-under overall. Two bogeys in the closing trio of holes slightly derailed his bid to move closer to the top 10—an important threshold to secure spots in the lucrative $20 million Signature Events, namely the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Genesis Invitational.
Having struggled late last season and finishing 146th in the 2025 FedExCup Fall standings, Theegala is in the process of rebuilding his season after a neck injury hampered his progress last year. Early results this year, including finishes tied for 31st, 8th, and 7th, signaled a return to form. Although his week in Phoenix has been mixed, with rounds of 70 around a bright 65, he remains well positioned for a strong conclusion to the tournament.
Reflecting on his journey back, Theegala shared insights on his adjustment to protect his health:
“I’m over-cautious about trying to stay healthy… being injured kind of robbed me of the fun I had during golf,”
he said, emphasizing the critical role that consistency and fitness now play in his season goals.
Leaders Tighten Race as Matsuyama Edges Ahead
Two-time TPC Scottsdale champion Hideki Matsuyama holds a slender one-shot lead after carding a 3-under 68 in the third round. Matsuyama surged into the lead when fellow Japanese player Ryo Hisatsune missed a par save on the 18th hole. Entering the final round, Matsuyama carries momentum and course experience that could prove decisive.
Nicolai Højgaard and Maverick McNealy made strong late moves with birdie runs to post matching rounds of 65, while Si Woo Kim electrified the field with an eagle included in his 66, all players rallying to stay within striking distance at 12-under par.
Notable Performances From Other Top Players
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler extended his impressive streak to 66 consecutive cuts made by following his second-round 65 with a 67 on Friday. Currently five shots behind the leader, Scheffler remains firmly in the thick of the competition amid a closely packed leaderboard.
Also notable among Indian-origin players, Sudarshan Yellamaraju posted a 70, placing him further back but still engaged in the overall tournament dynamics.
Implications for the Final Round at TPC Scottsdale
With the leaderboard tightly clustered near the top, the final round at TPC Scottsdale promises an intense battle for the WM Phoenix Open title. Akshay Bhatia’s steady and confident play positions him as a strong contender, bringing renewed optimism to his campaign after earlier challenges. Sahith Theegala’s fight to crack the top 10 underlines the high stakes for players aiming to qualify for the PGA TOUR’s lucrative Signature Events this season.
The experience and composure of established winners like Hideki Matsuyama, alongside the surge of other contenders such as Nicolai Højgaard and Si Woo Kim, set the stage for an exciting conclusion. As the players advance, maintaining focus and managing pressure will be paramount at this renowned venue.
