Akshay Bhatia returns to India this week as one of the headline names at the Hero Indian Open, bringing both form and emotion to DLF Golf and Country Club.
Fresh off his win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the three-time PGA Tour winner arrives as one of the favourites in the $2.25 million event, alongside Major champion Francesco Molinari and a strong international field.
For Bhatia, however, the week carries added significance. Playing in the country of his family’s roots, the 24-year-old described the trip as more than just another tournament on the schedule.
“Delhi means a lot to us,” Bhatia said ahead of the event, reflecting on his connection to India and his family’s journey.
The American will also play the Pro-Am alongside Hero MotoCorp Executive Chairman Dr. Pawan Munjal, with whom he shares a close relationship beyond sponsorship.
On the course, Bhatia has already begun studying the demanding Gary Player layout, often referred to as the “Beast of the East,” with particular attention on its closing stretch.
Despite the emotional backdrop, the approach remains straightforward. Bhatia emphasised the importance of maintaining pressure and building momentum, especially on a course that offers little margin for error.
The Hero Indian Open marks his first competitive appearance in India, a trip originally planned years earlier but delayed. He now arrives as one of the most exciting young players in the game, carrying both confidence and expectation.
With the Masters looming, Bhatia will look to carry his recent momentum forward — but this week, the focus is firmly on delivering at a venue that blends challenge with personal meaning.
Photo – Hero MotoCorp
