T’was a bumpy road for the rising lefty in town! Although Akshay Bhatia was able to clinch his first PGA Tour win at the Barracuda Championship after a T9 finish at the Barbasol Championship, he could only suffer a disgruntled fate at the end, in 2023. However, this year seems to hold a bit of hope for the youngster as he takes to The Sentry in hopes of a win.

But, as the PGA Tour enters the final stage of its first signature event, it seems the golfer has a chance to not just emerge victorious but rake in yet another record. Moreover, he would be able to stand tall amongst a list of professionals, including the likes of Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth!

Akshay Bhatia’s upcoming PGA Tour feat

The 21-year-old is currently leading the scoreboard at T2 in the Plantation Course in Kapalua, Maui, with a score of 20-under 199 over the three days. However, if the one-time PGA Tour champ manages to clinch the victory, he would become the third American to “win twice” on the men’s circuit before reaching 22 years of age.

The 2023 Barracuda Championship winner would join the likes of Woods and Spieth. The legend of the game had emerged triumphant in a total of six PGA Tour tournaments, including the Las Vegas Invitational, and the Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Classic in 1996; the Mercedes Championships, the Masters Tournament, the GTE Byron Nelson Golf Classic, and the Motorola Western Open in 1997.

Meanwhile, the current world No.15 has won a total of five times. The list of events in which he emerged as champion includes the John Deere Classic in 2013; the Valspar Championship, the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, and the John Deere Classic in 2015, the last of which he won just before turning 22.

However, despite all the talent that he had displayed, 2023 was a bit harsh on the athlete. Nevertheless, the record would be nothing short of a comfort for the 21-year-old, who found himself in a predicament last season following his one-off win in the men’s circuit.

Bhatia’s dilemma in 2023

Despite winning the alternate event last year, the American’s Barracuda triumph proved insufficient to push him to be eligible for the FedEx Cup Playoffs, which started with the St. Jude Championships. Although he became eligible for the same, his placement on the OWGR, at No. 72, was insufficient to allow him to be a part of the star-studded field.

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Disappointing? Extremely so, especially for the golfer, as he once expressed his dissatisfaction at the PGA Tour event not awarding FedEx Cup points to non-members, including the Special Temporary Members whom he was a part of. The points, which, if awarded, would have easily propelled him to the qualifying spots, “I was just, like, really shocked,” said Bhatia as everything transpired.

Well, Bhatia might be in for a surprise once again if he clinches his second victory on the PGA Tour on Sunday. Nevertheless, it has been an inspiring journey for the golfer so far!

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