- Advertisement -Jackson (USA)– Akshay Bhatia endured a disappointing start at the 2025 Sanderson Farms Championship, carding an even-par 72 in Thursday’s opening round to finish tied for 88th at the Country Club of Jackson. Bhatia, entering the Fall season PGA Tour event as a betting favorite, struggled with consistency. At the top, Eric Cole, Sam Ryder, Danny Walker, and Garrick Higgo shared the first-round lead with matching seven-under 65s. Ryder produced a bogey-free round, Walker closed with consecutive birdies, and Cole tallied an impressive 10 birdies to overcome a late double bogey. Walker, who tied for sixth at THE PLAYERS Championship earlier this year, has since endured a difficult stretch, missing eight consecutive cuts.