Memphis, August 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Akshay Bhatia, Aaron Rai, Sahith Theegala and rookie Sudarshan Yellamaraju are set to headline a historic Indian-origin campaign in the 2026 FedExCup Playoffs, which begin at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee.
For the first time, four players of Indian heritage have qualified for the PGA Tour’s postseason together. The quartet features in the opening 70-player FedEx St. Jude Championship, which carries a $20 million purse.
The opening playoff event will determine which players advance to the BMW Championship. The top 50 in the updated FedExCup standings after the Memphis event will progress, while only the top 30 following the BMW Championship will reach the season-ending Tour Championship.
Bhatia enters the playoffs as the highest-ranked member of the quartet at No. 14 in the FedExCup standings. The 24-year-old American has enjoyed an impressive season, highlighted by his victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His creative shot-making and aggressive approach make him one of the players capable of making a deep playoff run.
England’s Rai, ranked 35th, arrives with the distinction of becoming the first player of Indian heritage to win a men’s major championship after his PGA Championship triumph earlier this season. Known for his accuracy and precise iron play, Rai’s game could suit the demands of TPC Southwind.
Theegala, ranked 44th, has bounced back strongly in 2026 after an injury-hit 2025 season. He recorded top-10 finishes at marquee events including the Farmers Insurance Open and Arnold Palmer Invitational. His short game and scrambling ability will be important on a course featuring several water hazards.
Canadian rookie Yellamaraju, ranked 57th in the current field, has been one of the breakout stories of the season. The 24-year-old earned his playoff berth after making 14 cuts in 17 starts, including a top-five finish at THE PLAYERS Championship and a tied-eighth finish at the RBC Canadian Open.
Yellamaraju will open the quartet’s action alongside Sungjae Im, while Theegala is paired with Patrick Cantlay. Bhatia will play alongside Jacob Bridgeman and Rai with Bud Cauley. The first-round tee times have been confirmed for Thursday.
The quartet’s presence marks another landmark for Indian-origin golfers on the PGA Tour. Bhatia, Rai, Theegala and Yellamaraju had earlier made history by becoming the first four Indian-origin players to compete together in a major at the 2026 PGA Championship.
With world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy also among the leading names in Memphis, the opening playoff event promises a strong test as the players begin their pursuit of the FedExCup title.
FOLLOW NOW
