Akshay Bhatia defending at Texas Open with Masters on his mind
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Akshay Bhatia of the United States lining up a putt on the 16th green during the final round of The Players Championship.
PHOTO: AFP
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SAN ANTONIO – When then 22-year-old Akshay Bhatia beat Denny McCarthy in a play-off to win the Texas Open in 2024 at TPC San Antonio, he got to do one of the most enjoyable things in the world of golf.
He got to board a flight to Augusta, Georgia.
Bhatia’s victory earned him the final spot available in the field at the Masters the following week, and he went on to tie for 35th.
“I played so great the whole week (in San Antonio),” Bhatia told reporters on April 2, ahead of his Texas Open title defence.
“I honestly don’t know how I did it, shooting 20 under, Denny and I, and I think third place was 11 under. You step on this property and you realise how hard this golf course is. Just such a whirlwind.
“Then going to Augusta the following night, just great memories. You know, I look forward to see if I can get back in that position this week.”
Bhatia was the solo leader after each of the first three rounds last year before McCarthy caught up with a final-round 63. Bhatia won it with a birdie on the first play-off hole.
This time around, Bhatia has not really thought about retaining his title. He is already in the field for the April 10-13 Masters and this week is more about rounding into form for the year’s first Major.
“You know, I checked into the hotel and someone asked me, ‘How ya feeling this week?’” Bhatia said. “I said, ‘Yeah, it’s nice to be back’. He’s like, ‘So, but how are you feeling? Are you nervous?’ I mean, I haven’t really thought about it.
“I feel like it’s just another week. I have my mind really set on Augusta next week, so it’s a great week on this golf course to kind of learn where my game’s at, what kind of shots I need to improve on for next week.
“It’s a great golf course for that, very narrow, very tricky. It’s obviously going to be windy here. I just kind of feel normal.”
Bhatia added: “It’s kind of a tune-up week, but it’s also very cool to kind of go back-to-back. It’s got a mix of both. Maybe I’ll feel different on Thursday when I tee it up, but for now I’m just kind of focused on trying to get prepared for this week but also learn where I’m at for next week.”
Bhatia is one of 25-plus players in the Texas Open field already invited to the Masters. If anyone else besides that group wins the title, he would qualify for Augusta and take the same trip Bhatia did a year ago.
“It’s such a surreal feeling. You win here, all of a sudden you’re on a plane straight to Augusta National,” Bhatia said. “It’s something you really got to kind of keep off your mind and try to play this golf tournament and see where you end up at the end of the week.”
Someone who will not be at Augusta is Tiger Woods.
But he took to social media on April 1 to play an April Fool’s prank on golf fans, giving false hope he could overcome an injury to play in the Masters.
Woods, a 15-time Major winner and five-time Masters champion, posted a message on X celebrating a miracle recovery from a ruptured left Achilles tendon.
“I can’t believe I am saying this, but a few weeks after rupturing my left Achilles, the sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber plus the explosive lifts my doctors and trainers have me ready to play the Masters next week!” Woods wrote.
“Can’t wait! See y’all on the course.”
For precious minutes, there were some who believed the 49-year-old American superstar was all set for a shock return to Augusta National Golf Club.
Then came the follow-up message from Woods: “P.S. April Fools my Achilles is still a mess :)”
REUTERS, AFP
