Akshay Bhatia won the Arnold Palmer Invitational after a comeback and a playoff against Daniel Berger. Bhatia’s win came after he missed a short par putt, which put him five shots behind on Sunday. He responded with a strong back nine performance at Bay Hill.
Bhatia’s Back Nine Surge
Bhatia went on a run of four consecutive birdies. He then hit a 6-iron close to the pin on the par-5 16th, setting up an eagle. Bhatia said he felt the energy of “Arnie’s Army” during the final stretch.
Playoff Victory Over Berger
Berger held a four-shot lead. He missed a seven-foot par putt on the 17th. Berger then managed to get into a playoff with an up-and-down for par on the final hole. He hit his tee shot into the right rough on the 18th in regulation.
In the playoff, Berger pulled his drive and hit a 6-iron to the front edge of the green. His par putt to extend the playoff missed. Bhatia played to the centre of the green and took two putts to win. Bhatia described Bay Hill as a test.
Bhatia’s Comments After the Win
Bhatia, wearing the red cardigan, said that Palmer would be proud of how he finished. Bhatia said that playing boldly was a big thing that everyone knows of Palmer. He said he felt fortunate to win the tournament.
Bhatia closed with a 3-under 69. This is a $20 million signature event that moves the 24-year-old into the top 20 in the world at the start of a big stretch in golf that concludes with the Masters next month.