Akshay Bhatia had a third round to remember at the BMW Championship. Not only did he get back into the race to qualify for the Tour Championship, but he also hit his first career ace on the PGA Tour. It was a fortunate shot for several reasons.
With his ace at the 17th hole, Bhatia won a new car, courtesy of the event’s name sponsor. BMW will also associate Bhatia’s name with an Evans Scholarship as a reward for this feat.
“The wind was straight off the left, so it was a perfect 5-iron,” he told the reporters after his third-round performance. “I could draw it, which is nice. Again, that’s a hole you’re just trying to hit it front of the green to back of the green. But I told myself just don’t be afraid to hit it, execute it, because it’s easy to bail out there.”
“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. I couldn’t even feel my body. Still even going to 18 tee was pretty nuts how much adrenaline I had.”
Bhatia said he hasn’t decided what to do with his new car, which could be good news for his caddie, Brian Dilley.
“I don’t really necessarily need a new car,” he said. “I’m pretty happy with what I’ve got. I think either I’ll give it to my caddie or figure something out to where I can donate it to charity or something.”
What did resonate with the 23-year-old player was the chance to put his name on a scholarship that will surely change some young person’s life.
“It’s the coolest thing,” he said. “It warms my heart that a golf shot that I hit can help a kid get a full scholarship … I just am very blessed and thankful for that opportunity that Evans Scholars provided this week.”
First ace of his career as he battles on the bubble! Akshay Bhatia is now projected into the Top 30 in the FedExCup after a hole-in-one! pic.twitter.com/YbvU9rERlF
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 16, 2025
The Evans Scholarship is a full tuition and housing award for high-achieving golf caddies with financial need. Sponsored by the Western Golf Association, it boasts a 95% graduation rate. BMW supports the program through its partnership with the BMW Championship, helping fund scholarships via tournament proceeds.
Bhatia finished Moving Day at Caves Valley at 4-under for the round, bringing his 54-hole score to even par. With this performance, he climbed more than 10 spots on the leaderboard and is currently tied for 23rd.
More importantly, Bhatia is now projected to finish the event ranked 29th in the FedEx Cup, which would qualify him for the Tour Championship and give him a spot in the Masters Tournament field next season.
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