+++ American Akshay Bhatia sinks a hole-in-one on the 17th hole during the third round of the BMW Championship +++ All-electric BMW iX M70 becomes the third Hole-in-One Car taken in tournament history +++ BMW donates a four-year scholarship to the Evans Scholars Foundation in Bhatia’s name +++
Owings Mills. By the halfway point of the third round of the BMW Championship, fans at the Caves Valley Golf Club had already witnessed the shot of the tournament and celebrated enthusiastically when Akshay Bhatia holed out on the 17th hole from a distance of 195 meters (213 yards) using a 5-iron. For the ace, the 23-year-old American was rewarded with this year’s Hole-in-One Prize, the new all-electric BMW iX M70. The BMW Group’s flagship technology model impresses with up to 25% increased power output, significantly improved efficiency, and a maximum range of 701 kilometers in the WLTP cycle.
The ace on the 17th was Bhatia’s second eagle of the day, having already holed out with his second shot on the 7th hole. While the two-time PGA TOUR winner was thrilled about the BMW iX, the eagles were also crucial for his scorecard: Bhatia is ranked 29th in the FedExCup standings and is fighting for a spot in next week’s season finale, which is reserved for the top 30 players.
However, the Hole-in-One holds even greater significance for a caddie, as BMW donates a full scholarship to the Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) for the first ace at the BMW Championship, enabling a young person to pursue higher education. “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the Western Golf Association and the tremendous impact the BMW Championship has had on the lives of so many young scholars. Education is the key to a self-determined life,” said Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, People and Places. “Since the inaugural BMW Championship in 2007, the tournament has raised more than $60 million and helped award more than 4,000 full tuition and housing college scholarships for caddies. I am delighted that today’s ace adds another scholarship to this legacy.”
Bhatia commented: “The BMW is, of course, a fantastic bonus. Beyond that, the two eagles I made today are really good for what I need to do for tomorrow. But most importantly, it warms my heart that I can give an opportunity to a kid who will have a full scholarship next year. That’s a blessing, and the impact of the Evans Scholars Foundation and the BMW Championship cannot be overstated.”
This marks the seventh time in tournament history that BMW has donated an Evans Scholarship for the first ace at the BMW Championship. The Hole-in-One Prize, however, has only been awarded twice before. Jason Day (AUS) in 2017 and Hunter Mahan (USA) in 2013 were the lucky winners. Both players made their valuable aces on the 17th hole at Conway Farms Golf Club (Chicago). In 2013, Mahan received an all-electric BMW i3, while Day donated the value of his Hole-in-One Car – a BMW M760i – to the Evans Scholars Foundation.