Golfer Akshay Bhatia Wins Arnold Palmer Invitational, Dedicates Victory to Late Niece

Bhatia, 24, won his first PGA Tour event in two years, earning a $4 million prize, while honoring his niece Mia who passed away at his wedding.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

PGA Tour golfer Akshay Bhatia, 24, won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Bay Hill, Florida, defeating Daniel Berger in a playoff to claim the $4 million first prize. Bhatia dedicated the victory to his late niece Mia, who passed away on the day of his wedding in December 2025 at the age of 6 after a long battle with the rare mitochondrial disorder Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency (PDCD).

Why it matters

Bhatia's emotional win and tribute to his niece Mia highlights the profound impact that personal tragedy can have on an athlete's performance and mindset. The story also sheds light on the rare and devastating PDCD disease that took Mia's life, and the importance of raising awareness for mitochondrial disorders.

The details

Bhatia said he had his late niece Mia on his mind throughout the tournament, and when he saw a rainbow on the 18th hole, it reminded him of her. Mia was able to attend Bhatia's wedding in the Bahamas in 2025, but passed away at one of the on-site homes that same day. Bhatia's wife Presleigh paid tribute to Mia on Instagram, calling her 'strong, joyful, and deeply loved' despite her rare disease.

  • Akshay Bhatia won the Arnold Palmer Invitational on March 8, 2026.
  • Akshay's niece Mia passed away on the day of his wedding in December 2025 at the age of 6.

The players

Akshay Bhatia

A 24-year-old PGA Tour golfer who won his first tour event in two years at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, dedicating the victory to his late niece Mia.

Mia

Akshay Bhatia's niece who passed away at the age of 6 on the day of his wedding in December 2025 after a long battle with the rare mitochondrial disorder Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency (PDCD).

Presleigh Bhatia

Akshay Bhatia's wife, who paid tribute to Mia on Instagram following her passing on the day of their wedding.

Daniel Berger

The golfer Akshay Bhatia defeated in a playoff to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My niece passed away in December, and so I knew she was looking over me this year. You know, I made this win for her, for sure.”

— Akshay Bhatia, PGA Tour Golfer (NBC)

“When I saw that rainbow on [the 18th hole], it reminded me of her, so that was really cool, a special moment for us.”

— Akshay Bhatia, PGA Tour Golfer (Press Conference)

“On the morning of our wedding, Akshay's niece, Mia, went to be with the angels. The night before, she was surrounded by everyone who loved her wrapped in peace, comfort, and so much love. It was heartbreaking, beautiful, and impossible to fully understand all at once.”

— Presleigh Bhatia, Akshay Bhatia's Wife (Instagram)

What’s next

Akshay Bhatia plans to continue playing on the PGA Tour and hopes to honor Mia's memory with more tournament wins.

The takeaway

Akshay Bhatia's emotional victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, dedicated to his late niece Mia, serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that personal tragedy can have on an athlete's performance and mindset. The story also sheds light on the devastating effects of rare mitochondrial disorders like PDCD, and the importance of raising awareness and supporting research for these diseases.