Orlando, Florida, USA: Indian American golfer Akshay Bhatia delivered an extraordinary comeback performance to win the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational after forcing a playoff and defeating Daniel Berger.
Trailing the leader by five shots with only nine holes remaining, the 24-year-old produced one of the most remarkable late surges in recent PGA Tour history. Bhatia finished the regulation rounds tied at 15-under before securing victory in the first playoff hole against Berger.
The victory marks the biggest title of Bhatia’s career and his third PGA Tour win, all achieved through playoff finishes.
Fellow Indian American golfer Sahith Theegala also impressed during the tournament, finishing tied for sixth. Despite a challenging third round where he carded a three-over 75, Theegala bounced back strongly with a six-under 66 in the final round to close the tournament at 10-under par.
Inspired by Arnold Palmer’s famous philosophy of “playing boldly,” Bhatia launched an incredible charge on the back nine. His surge included four consecutive birdies starting from the 10th hole and a crucial eagle on the par-5 16th, which brought him within striking distance of the lead.
Speaking after his victory, Bhatia said he felt inspired by Palmer’s legacy.
“If he was watching, he would probably be proud of how the finish unfolded,” Bhatia said while wearing the traditional red cardigan awarded to the tournament champion. “Playing bold is what Mr. Palmer always stood for, and I could feel that energy throughout the round.”
Bhatia completed the final round with a three-under 69 and secured the title along with the $4 million winner’s prize from the $20 million signature PGA Tour event.
Daniel Berger, who had led the tournament for much of the final round, finished with a score of 15-under 273 after a closing round of 70. A missed seven-foot par putt on the 17th hole proved costly as it allowed Bhatia to draw level and force the playoff.
During the playoff, Berger managed to reach the green from about 106 feet but missed a crucial par putt that could have extended the contest. Bhatia calmly played to the center of the green and sealed the victory with two putts from just under 30 feet.
The victory lifts Bhatia into the top 20 of the Official World Golf Rankings as the PGA Tour heads into a crucial stretch of tournaments leading up to the Masters next month.
Elsewhere on the leaderboard, Cameron Young finished bogey-free with a 69 to share third place alongside Ludvig Aberg. World No.1 Scottie Scheffler endured a difficult finish, recording another double bogey on the 18th hole to close with a 73 and tie for 24th place.
