THE MODERATOR: Akshay, you put yourself right in the mix looking for win number three tomorrow. Explain the difference on that final stretch today versus the first two rounds.
AKSHAY BHATIA: Yeah, the wind is a lot more extreme today than the first two days. You know, the golf course is getting really, really firm. I think the trickiest thing today is the wind was supposed to be more out of the southwest, and it was like south-southeast to southeast to east.
Judging some shots especially during the closing stretch because you don't want help when you are playing for hurt, and these greens are so small. They're such a small margin are for error.
I hit some pretty good shots coming down the stretch. One of them got hurt. One of them got help. It's just kind of how golf is.
Been grinding the last couple of days and just really need to sharpen up some of those chip shots because those are going to be the key moments for tomorrow just because it's hard to hit greens here.
Q. We know this week is about more than just golf, especially for you. Grayson Murray was a good friend of yours. What's interesting is you weren't really even planning on playing this week until you missed the cut last week, and you said, I'm going to be here. Now you put yourself in the mix. We're all wearing green today in memory of Grayson. It kind of feels like a beautiful moment, and maybe there was a greater purpose for you to be here to speak about your friend and keep his memory and his joy alive.
AKSHAY BHATIA: Yeah, I obviously wasn't really planning to be here. I was really excited to come here. The first thought I had when I got to Texas was obviously thinking about the last time I saw him, and the first people I saw this week were his parents and his sister.
Just brought a lot of joy to me. I made a little video for them and just talking about how special Grayson was obviously to North Carolina, to myself, but to a lot of people, especially on tour.
He was a great person. I think people realize now. You know, I know he's watching over all of us, but hopefully he can help me a little bit tomorrow and give me a chance to win.
Q. We appreciate you sharing that. I know it's not easy. Thanks for the time. Good luck tomorrow.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports