Akshay Bhatia is all set to return at the Valspar Championship next week
21-year-old Indian American Akshay Bhatia, who turned pro at 17 after being ranked No 1 Junior player in USA, achieved a breakthrough with his 2nd place finish at the PGA Tour’s US$ 3.8 mn Puerto Rico Open which guarantees him a Special Temporary membership on the PGA Tour for the rest of the year.
Bhatia, who has been a member of the Korn-Ferry Tour last year will now be eligible for unlimited special exemptions and will likely start in a number of events with which he might be able to earn his 2023-24 PGA Tour season playing rights by finishing in the top 125 on the regular season money list.
A moment he will never forget. @akshaybhatia_1 has official earned Special Temporary Membership on the PGA TOUR with a solo second finish @PuertoRicoOpen.
Safe to say, Akshay Bhatia is #TOURBound. pic.twitter.com/lnSmI3yX2N
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) March 5, 2023
Thus, we hope the super talented Bhatia can join Sahith Theegala, the other Indian American making waves, in contending regularly on the PGA Tour.
Whereas Theegala went through college where he finished ranked No 1 college player in America, Bhatia skipped college and turned pro directly after high school but has had flashes of brilliance but also seen a lot of missed cuts since then.
An emotional Bhatia, said, “I can’t believe I’m crying,” Bhatia said Sunday after taking a second to compose himself. “It means a lot. Worked really hard; it’s been a crazy journey, for sure. Last year was really disappointing; I got hurt and didn’t get my card through the Korn Ferry Tour. It’s crazy. I have so many people to thank … it’s a crazy day. Didn’t even know I shot 7 under. Chipped in three times on the same hole through this week.
“This is a great story, and I want to write a book about my life and my journey. It’s definitely going to be a really good chapter, for sure.”
Akshay Bhatia is on to the PGA TOUR, earning special temporary status with a 2nd place finish in Puerto Rico ☢️ pic.twitter.com/HVz5rxJxOY
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) March 6, 2023
Last year, Bhatia won the Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour but despite his impressive win, due to missing part of the year due to an injury, fell short of graduating in the top-25 on the Korn Ferry List, which would have earned him PGA Tour playing rights. Nevertheless, he persevered and continued to work hard. Within just a few months of the start of 2023, Bhatia has secured special exemptions and no longer needs to rely on sponsor invites to play on the PGA Tour.
Credits:-
Photo – PGA TOUR