Indian American Akshay Bhatia Wins First PGA Tour Title

India-West News Desk

TRUCKEE, CA – Indian American golfer Akshay Bhatia has achieved a remarkable milestone in his career by winning the 2023 Barracuda Championship, his maiden title on the PGA Tour. The victory came in a playoff against Patrick Rodgers on the evening of July 23, in his 36th start on the tour.

The Barracuda Championship, held at Tahoe Mountain Club’s Old Greenwood course here, stands out as the only event on the Tour to use the Modified Stableford scoring system, where more points equate to a better score.

Bhatia’s impressive 17-point performance on July 22 brought him into contention, and he ultimately tied with Patrick Rodgers at 40 points at the end of regulation. The playoff hole decided the outcome, with the 21-year-old left-handed golfer emerging as the winner, clinching his first PGA Tour title.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Bhatia shared his excitement during post-win interviews with the media. The victory not only earned him the first-place prize of $684,000 but also granted him full Tour status and secured his spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Reflecting on his journey, Bhatia acknowledged the challenges he faced to reach this point in his career. He turned professional in 2019, experiencing initial setbacks as he missed the cut in six tournaments. However, his perseverance and dedication paid off as he continued to work hard and improve his game.

Bhatia’s exceptional performance in the 2023 season has been noteworthy, with this victory marking his 10th first-time winner on the Tour. Prior to the Barracuda Championship, he achieved several impressive results, including a runner-up finish at the Puerto Rico Open and four top-10 finishes.

With this landmark win, Akshay Bhatia has proven himself as a talented golfer on the PGA Tour, and his future in the sport looks promising. His remarkable junior career and early achievements are indicative of the bright trajectory ahead for this young golfer from Wake Forest, North Carolina.