Akshay Bhatia finds himself in a commanding position at the Texas Open, with only one golfer standing between him and a potential berth at Augusta National next week. Heading into Sunday’s final round, Bhatia leads the pack by an impressive four-shot margin over Denny McCarthy. Brendon Todd trails further behind, seven strokes adrift of Bhatia’s 15-under total.
Despite clinching victory at the Barracuda Championship last year in a playoff against Patrick Rodgers, Bhatia recognizes the heightened competition at the Texas Open and the caliber of the field he’s outpacing. Notably, his exceptional iron play has been instrumental in his success, showcasing a formula that is not only impressive but also sustainable.
Bhatia’s mental fortitude is evident as he acknowledges that the only obstacle in his path to victory is himself. This self-awareness was underscored by his pre-round ritual of inscribing a motivational saying on his wrist, guided by his conversations with a sports psychologist.
Bhatia’s Remarkable Rise: Dominating the Texas Open
His journey from skipping college to turning professional directly has been well-documented. At just 22 years and three months old, Bhatia stands younger than some of the amateurs set to compete in the Masters next week, yet his prowess far exceeds theirs. With an impressive track record this season, boasting five top 20 finishes in nine PGA Tour starts, Bhatia is amidst his most successful year as a professional.
His performance at the Texas Open has been nothing short of exceptional, with a nearly 18-stroke advantage over his competitors. Even a par or slightly subpar round on Sunday would likely suffice for him to secure the tournament victory.
“He’s playing really solid golf,” remarked McCarthy, who will be his playing partner in the final round. “I know I’ll need to deliver another consistent performance. No pressure. I’m embracing the challenge tomorrow. I’m going out there to play with freedom.”
Bhatia’s Pursuit: A Potential Masters Debut on the Horizon
Sunday holds significant stakes. It’s not just about Bhatia clinching his first full-field PGA Tour victory, but also securing a spot in what would be his inaugural Masters tournament next week. With the prestigious major event looming just five days away, it’s inevitable to consider the possibility that a win could grant him entry to Augusta National, a venue where he’s never competed before.
“If I emerge victorious, it would be fantastic,” stated Bhatia. “It brings me closer to my ultimate goal. Yet, winning PGA Tour events alone wasn’t my childhood dream; I aspired to triumph in majors. That remains my primary focus for the future.”
Undoubtedly, Bhatia likely has a target score in mind for tomorrow’s round at TPC San Antonio to secure the tournament victory. I doubt it’s 89, although it could be. Should the young left-handed golfer triumph, the field at Augusta National next week would expand from 88 players to 89, with Bhatia’s eleventh-hour inclusion.
