Maryland, Aug. 15 -- Akshay Bhatia's bid to secure a spot in the Tour Championship for the second consecutive year got off to a rocky start at the BMW Championship, according to a release from BMW Championship.

The Indian-American carded a 5-over 75, leaving him tied for 46th among the 49 starters in the second leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

The Hero golfer Bhatia endured a frustrating opening round at Caves Valley Golf Club. Starting on the front nine, he dropped a shot on the 5th hole, then suffered a costly double bogey on the 6th. A birdie on the 9th offered brief relief, but further bogeys on the 12th, 14th, and 16th dashed hopes of a low score.

Entering the week at 29th in the FedEx Cup standings, Bhatia will need a significant t...