Bhatia Rallies From Five Back To Beat Berger In AP Invitational Playoff

Akshay Bhatia staged a dramatic back-nine comeback, defeating Daniel Berger in a playoff to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge went to a playoff for the first time since 1999, with Akshay Bhatia going head-to-head with Daniel Berger. Bhatia staged an impressive comeback on the back nine, recording four straight birdies and an eagle on the difficult closing stretch to force a playoff. Berger had a chance to win in regulation but missed a short putt, leading to the extra hole where Bhatia prevailed for his third PGA Tour victory.

Why it matters

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the PGA Tour's most prestigious events, held at the late Arnold Palmer's home course of Bay Hill. Bhatia's come-from-behind victory in a playoff is an exciting moment that highlights his continued rise on the PGA Tour, while Berger's near-miss is a reminder of the fine margins at the highest level of professional golf.

The details

Bhatia and Berger were paired together in the final round, with Berger holding a five-shot lead at the turn. However, Bhatia caught fire on the back nine, making four straight birdies and an eagle on the par-5 16th hole to force a playoff. On the first playoff hole, Berger missed a short putt after a poor drive, opening the door for Bhatia to claim the victory.

  • The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge went to a playoff for the first time since 1999.
  • Bhatia recorded four straight birdies and an eagle on the back nine to force a playoff.

The players

Akshay Bhatia

A rising young star on the PGA Tour who has now won three times, including this victory at the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Daniel Berger

A veteran PGA Tour player who held a five-shot lead at the turn but was unable to close out the victory, falling to Bhatia in the playoff.

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What they’re saying

“I told Joe we shot 4-under yesterday on this side, so let's just go out and do it. I don't remember the number, but it was a perfect 6-iron, and Joe said, 'Hit the best 6-iron of your life.'”

— Akshay Bhatia (Forbes)

“It's amazing. To win this event, for Mr. Palmer, showing up to Bay Hill you know it's going to be a test.”

— Akshay Bhatia (Forbes)

“I'm proud of myself, but obviously it didn't go the way I wanted it to. But if you told me at the start of the week I'd be standing on the 18th with a chance to win Bay Hill, I'd be ecstatic about that. A lot of positives this week.”

— Daniel Berger (Forbes)

What’s next

The PGA Tour will continue its Florida Swing with the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass next week.

The takeaway

Akshay Bhatia's dramatic comeback victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational showcases his growing talent and ability to perform under pressure on the PGA Tour, while Daniel Berger's near-miss highlights the fine margins at the highest level of professional golf.