Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala, both young Indian-Americans, marked impressive tournament debuts by securing third place at the $5 million Hero World Challenge on Thursday at Albany in the Bahamas. They were joined in the third spot by the world’s number one golfer and defending champion, Scottie Scheffler. All three players, along with Patrick Cantlay from the U.S. and Sweden’s Ludvig Åberg, posted 5-under-par 67s. They finished three strokes behind the leader, Cameron Young, who fired a stunning 8-under 64. Justin Thomas, second with a 66, was just one shot ahead.
Young’s opening round was a dazzling return to action after his absence, completing a bogey-free 64 with five birdies on the front nine and three more on the back nine. Thomas also made a strong showing, especially on the back nine, where he made six birdies, including four in a row from the 14th hole.
For Scheffler, it was a return to a venue where he has had consistent success in recent years, finishing in the top three for the past three years and always shooting in the 60s. He has yet to post a round over par in 13 competitive rounds at Albany.
Young was pleased with his performance, saying that he was able to drive well and capitalize on par-5s and drivable holes to set up numerous birdie opportunities. He acknowledged that his putter got him off to a solid start, and he avoided any bogeys for the day. He shared that his near-bogey came on hole 12 when he faced a tricky chip shot, but he successfully managed it and avoided dropping a shot.
Bhatia, who has previously won in the Bahamas on the Korn Ferry Tour, was content with his debut round at Albany, especially given his lack of competitive golf in recent months. He credited his solid play on the par-5s and his new prototype driver for helping him to stay in control. He also noted the support from volunteers who are familiar with him and his ties to Hero MotoCorp, the event sponsor, as a positive boost.
Theegala, who celebrated his 27th birthday, expressed excitement about participating in this prestigious event. Meanwhile, Thomas, who was competing for the first time in six weeks following a runner-up finish at the Zozo Championship, was pleased with his start despite some inconsistent putting. He felt that his game was coming together, but he might have been trying too hard early on.
