Akshay Bhatia has shared what he told his caddie after realising that his initial tee shot had actually received a brilliant bounce on the second hole at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
Akshay Bhatia goes into the final round in Detroit tied for the lead with England’s Aaron Rai, after shooting a four-under 68 on Saturday.
Bhatia is actually yet to make a single bogey during the week, but he must have thought that that run was about to come to an end in the third round as his three wood off the second tie went wayward.
The 22-year-old was so concerned about it that he decided to hit a provisional, but he had little reason to worry as it turns out that his ball had hit a tree and bounced back into the fairway – and he would absolutely take advantage by making a birdie.
Akshay Bhatia receives massive slice of good fortune on second hole at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Bhatia was asked in his press conference after about that moment, and he suggested that he felt that he had someone looking down on him and giving him a helping hand.
“We didn’t see anyone put their hands up, but I told my caddie, ‘Grayson Murray tossed that ball back in the fairway for me’, that was a big birdie for me. It could’ve made the round way different, and it made me bogey-free for 54 holes,” he said.
Second win this season is within youngster’s grasp
That certainly has the potential to be a massive moment in Bhatia’s week, particularly as it came so early in his round. A bogey on the second hole obviously has the potential to derail the youngster’s momentum before he has had a chance to settle into his round.
He was able to make the most of the break, and went on to card another flawless round which ensures that he will be in the final group on Sunday.
And if he needs some help in the final round, he will hope that the golfing gods are once again on his side as he looks for his second win of the season.
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