Bhatia Wins Arnold Palmer Invitational in Playoff

Rookie overcomes five-stroke deficit on back nine to capture third PGA Tour title

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Akshay Bhatia, a 24-year-old PGA Tour rookie, won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in a playoff against Daniel Berger after overcoming a five-stroke deficit with nine holes to play. Bhatia's impressive short game performance, including gaining over 16 strokes on the field in strokes gained around the green, was the key to his victory on the fast and firm Bay Hill greens.

Why it matters

Bhatia's win at the API, a prestigious PGA Tour event, marks a significant milestone in his young career and demonstrates his ability to perform under major championship-like conditions. The victory also earns him an exemption into the upcoming Masters Tournament, where he will look to continue his strong play.

The details

Bhatia, who was five strokes behind Berger with nine holes to play, made four straight birdies on holes 10-13 and then an eagle on the par-5 16th to force a playoff. In the playoff, Bhatia two-putted for par to defeat Berger and claim his third PGA Tour title. Bhatia led the field in strokes gained putting and strokes gained around the green, showcasing his exceptional short game skills on the challenging Bay Hill layout.

  • Bhatia made four straight birdies on holes 10-13 to climb back into contention.
  • Bhatia eagled the par-5 16th hole to tie Berger and force a playoff.
  • Bhatia won the playoff on the first extra hole with a two-putt par.

The players

Akshay Bhatia

A 24-year-old PGA Tour rookie who captured his third career PGA Tour title with the playoff win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Daniel Berger

A 32-year-old PGA Tour veteran who held the lead for much of the tournament but was unable to close out the win, finishing runner-up to Bhatia in the playoff.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not sure if Bhatia's performance portends to amazing things in Augusta since Bay Hill has never been a great predictor of Masters fate. But you can't discount what Bhatia did on such firm, fast greens that had bigger names shaking their heads and waving white flags under 'major-like' conditions.”

— Geoff Shackelford, Author (substack.com)

What’s next

Bhatia's win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational earns him an exemption into the upcoming Masters Tournament, where he will look to continue his strong play on the PGA Tour.

The takeaway

Akshay Bhatia's come-from-behind victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, overcoming a five-stroke deficit with a brilliant short game performance, demonstrates his ability to excel under major championship-like conditions and marks a significant milestone in his young PGA Tour career.