Can Bhatia Maintain His Lead After a Stellar Birdie Run at Pebble Beach?

Akshay Bhatia has taken the lead into the final day of play at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, navigating challenging blustery conditions to finish the third round at 19 under par. With six birdies in his first seven holes, Bhatia built a commanding lead, but a late bogey reduced his advantage to two shots over Collin Morikawa, who posted a remarkable 10-under 62 to climb to second place.

Last updated: 06 March 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the tournament heads into its final round, Akshay Bhatia leads the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with a total score of 19 under par. His impressive performance included multiple birdies, particularly in the early holes of his round, allowing him to establish a significant lead. However, the weather conditions—characterised by strong winds and forecasted heavy rain—pose challenges for all players, including Bhatia, who will need to maintain focus to secure his victory.

Key takeaways

• Akshay Bhatia leads at 19 under par, two strokes ahead of Collin Morikawa.
• Morikawa's 10-under 62 puts him in contention for his first win in over two years.
• Weather conditions are expected to worsen, affecting the final round's play.
• Defending champion Rory McIlroy struggled, finishing the day at even par.

Timeline: how we got here

The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has seen various shifts in the leaderboard throughout the tournament. Key dates include:

• 1 March 2023: The tournament commenced with various players showcasing strong performances.
• 3 March 2023: The second round concluded, setting the stage for a competitive third round.
• 4 March 2023: Akshay Bhatia took the lead into the final round, with weather forecasts indicating challenging conditions ahead.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

During the third round, Akshay Bhatia surged to a two-shot lead, while Collin Morikawa made headlines with his impressive 10-under performance, marking his best round to date in this event. The cut was made after the second round, eliminating several players from contention.

What was already established

Before this round, Bhatia and Ryo Hisatsune were tied at 15 under par, with both players showing the potential to lead. The competition has been fierce, with many players scoring well, setting up an exciting final day.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am primarily attracts US viewers, UK golf fans can follow the tournament through various sports channels. Bhatia's performance may influence viewer engagement and interest in golf events, contributing to the sport's popularity across the UK.

Businesses and jobs

The event draws significant sponsorship and tourism revenue, indirectly benefiting businesses in the UK through increased interest in golf and related merchandise. Local businesses may also see a boost from UK viewers engaging with the tournament.

Policy and regulation

As a prominent sporting event, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am may influence discussions around sports regulation and broadcasting rights, particularly in relation to international audiences. With golf's global reach, UK policies regarding sports viewership and sponsorship may be impacted.

Numbers that matter

• 19 - Akshay Bhatia's total score under par after three rounds.
• 17 - Collin Morikawa's score, putting him two shots behind Bhatia.
• 62 - The impressive score achieved by Morikawa in the third round.
• 5 - The number of birdies Bhatia made in his first seven holes.
• 10 - The number of strokes by which Rory McIlroy trails the leader after finishing at even par.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Birdie: A score of one stroke under par on a hole.
• Eagle: A score of two strokes under par on a hole.
• Par: The standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the final round unfolds, players will need to adjust their strategies according to weather changes. Bhatia must maintain composure to fend off competitors, particularly Morikawa, while dealing with challenging conditions.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The outcomes of this tournament could influence players' confidence and performance in upcoming events, particularly for those like Morikawa, who are seeking a return to form following a winless period.

Signals to watch

• Watch for updates on Bhatia's performance during the final round.
• Monitor weather conditions and their impact on play.
• Observe how other players respond to the pressure of the final day.

Practical guidance

Do

• Follow the final round closely to understand player strategies in adverse conditions.
• Engage with coverage through various sports channels for live updates.

Don’t

• Don’t overlook the impact of weather on player performance and scoring.
• Don’t assume the leaderboard will remain static; expect changes as the tournament progresses.

Checklist

• Check local broadcast times to watch the final round live.
• Keep track of leaderboard updates during and after the play.
• Follow player interviews for insights into their strategies.
• Engage with social media for real-time commentary and fan reactions.
• Consider how this tournament's results may affect future events.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

With weather conditions rapidly changing, the final round's outcome could hinge on unforeseen circumstances affecting play. Additionally, players' mental states and physical conditions may affect their performances, especially under pressure. As such, the leaderboard can shift dramatically in response to these factors.

Bottom line

Akshay Bhatia's position at the top of the leaderboard sets the stage for a thrilling final round at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. With challenging weather conditions ahead, all players will need to stay focused and adapt their strategies to secure a win. The implications of this tournament extend beyond immediate results, potentially affecting player dynamics in future competitions.

FAQs

Who is leading the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am?

Akshay Bhatia is leading the tournament with a score of 19 under par after three rounds.

What were the weather conditions during the third round?

The third round featured blustery conditions, which challenged players throughout their rounds.

When does the final round start?

The final round is scheduled to start early, with tee times from 07:22 to 09:45 local time.