On July 23, 2023, 21-year-old Akshay Bhatia earned his first PGA Tour win at the 2023 Barracuda Classic, to become one of the youngest winners in tournament history. However, nine years prior to his victory, Bhatia was among the earliest competing in the inaugural Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club in 2014.
At 12 years old, Bhatia finished sixth place overall for the boys 12-13 age group after sinking his 15-foot putt attempt.
Clutch putting would later become a trend as a putt at the last hole at the Barracuda Classic helped Bhatia secure a playoff and ultimately a victory.
18, obviously, was a pretty special moment,” said Bhatia after the win. “You think about Tiger and all the greats that have to make a putt to win, and to get into that playoff to make that putt was pretty surreal.
Akshay Bhatia
Progression of Bhatia’s Notable Achievements
2014—
- Finishes sixth in the Boys 12-13 age division in the inaugural Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club
Boys 12-13 competitor Akshay Bhatia drives in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday April 6, 2014.
Scott K.Brown/Scott K.Brown/Augusta National
2016—
- Earns his first two American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) wins and earns Honorable Mention Junior All-America honors
2018—
- AJGA Boys Player of The Year
- Three-time AJGA Junior All-American (2016, 2017, 2018)
- US Junior Amateur Runner-up
2019—
- Wins the Jones Cup Invitational and Dustin Johnson World Junior Championship
- Makes PGA Tour debut in Tampa as an Amateur in March
- Member of winning United States team in the Walker Cup, youngest-ever American team member at 17 years, 7 months, 2 days
- Turns professional after Walker Cup and makes pro debut in September
2020—
- Finishes tied-ninth in Napa for his first top-10 finish on the PGA Tour
2021—
- Makes major-championship debut in the US Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego (tied 57th)
2022—
- Earns first Korn Ferry Tour win with a victory in the Bahamas in January—third youngest Korn Ferry Tour winner.
2023—
- Runner-up in Puerto Rico Open in March to earn Special Temporary Membership on the PGA Tour
- Earns his first career win on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour at The Barracuda Classic in July
TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA - JULY 23: Akshay Bhatia of the United States reacts to his putt on the 18th green to force a playoff during the final round of the Barracuda Championship at Tahoe Mountain Club on July 23, 2023 in United States. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images
