Akshay Bhatia produced a dramatic comeback to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational, defeating Daniel Berger in a playoff after forcing extra holes with a late charge at Bay Hill.
Five shots behind the leader with nine holes to play, Bhatia surged through the field to finish at 15-under and then secured victory on the first playoff hole for the biggest win of his career.
The 24-year-old mounted his charge with four consecutive birdies starting at the 10th and delivered the defining moment on the par-5 16th, where he hit a towering 6-iron close to the pin to set up an eagle that pulled him within one of the lead.
Bhatia then birdied the closing stretch to force the playoff before calmly two-putting from just inside 30 feet in extra holes to claim his third PGA TOUR title — all of them coming in playoffs. The victory earned him the iconic red cardigan awarded to the champion of Arnold Palmer’s tournament.
“If he was up there watching, he’s probably pretty proud of how that finished,” Bhatia said after the win. “Play bold — that’s what everyone remembers about Mr. Palmer.”
The victory lifts Bhatia into the top 20 in the world rankings as the PGA TOUR heads into a crucial stretch of the season leading up to the Masters.
Berger, who led by four shots at one stage, closed with a 70 to finish tied with Bhatia at 15-under 273. His challenge faltered late after missing a short par putt on the 17th before falling short in the playoff.
Another Indian-American, Sahith Theegala, also enjoyed a strong week, finishing tied sixth at 10-under. After a difficult third round of 75, Theegala responded with a final-round 6-under 66 to climb the leaderboard.
Cameron Young (69) and Ludvig Åberg (67) shared third place, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler finished tied 24th after a closing 73.
Bhatia’s bold finish capped one of the most memorable comebacks of the season at Bay Hill and delivered a signature victory at one of the PGA TOUR’s most prestigious events.
Photo – PGAT
