Who? 24 year-old American, Akshay Bhatia
What? The 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational
Where? Bay Hill Golf Club and Lodge, Florida
How? Akshay Bhatia produced a very impressive back-nine charge to snatch victory from Daniel Berger in a dramatic finish claiming a sweet $2,200,000 winner’s cheque. Berger, who held the lead a four shot lead with nine holes to play looked odds on favourite to return to the PGA Tour winner’s circle for the first time since 2021.
Bhatia started the back-nine with four consecutive birdies, then followed it with a stunning eagle at the par 5 16th to card a back nine 31 and force the first play-off in the tournament since 1999 at 15 under. Both players returned to the par-four 18th for the play-off, where Berger three-putted from over 100 feet – missing the second from around eight feet – as Bhatia found the green and casually two-putted for his winning par.
What’s In The Bag: Akshay Bhatia
Metalwoods
Driver: Callaway Rogue ST Max LS Driver (9°)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15°)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X
Hybrid: Callaway Apex Utility Wood (19°)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 10 X
Irons
2-iron: Callaway X Forged UT Iron, (21°)
5 iron – PW: Callaway Apex TCB Irons
Shafts: KBS S-Taper 125 S+
Wedges
Wedges: Callaway Opus SP (50-10S, 54-10S, 60-08C)
Shafts: KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 135 X
Putter
Putter: Odyssey Jailbird 360
Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy Split
Golf Ball
