Bhatia catches fire, nears PGA Tour title

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — Akshay Bhatia birdied six of the first seven holes on the way to a four-under par 68 to seize a two-stroke lead after Saturday's third round of the PGA Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

With gusting winds at the seaside course's signature 18th hole keeping balls wobbling and rolling out of position, Bhatia endured a hefty wait before missing a seven-foot birdie putt and closing with a par.

"Always nice to get off to a good start," Bhatia said. 

"Making six out of the first seven was pretty nice."

Despite his sizzling start, the 24-year-old American never made another birdie and finished 54 holes on 19-under 197, seeing a five-shot lead trimmed to two ahead of Sunday's final round.

"Just battling the elements at Pebble Beach is always fun," Bhatia said.

"Then you're holding on for a little bit once you get to eight, nine, 10, 12. And then 17 is a brutal hole today. Happy with today for sure."

Sharing second on 199 was two-time major winner Collin Morikawa, who birdied five of the last six holes to fire a 62, plus fellow American Jake Knapp and Austrian Sepp Straka. American Jacob Bridgeman was on 200 and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama on 201.

"I wanted to come out and win the tournament," Morikawa said. 

"Now, we've given ourself a chance."

Bhatia, who shared third last week at Phoenix, seeks a third career PGA title after wins at the 2023 Barracuda Championship and 2024 Texas Open.

"One out of every 30 events we play can get this challenging," Bhatia said. "I'm just looking forward to that and having a good time."

Sunday's forecast features gusts around 35 mph after wobbling golf balls at 18 had Bhatia hoping for a moment for a delay to Sunday.