Akshay Bhatia secured the third PGA TOUR victory of his career after defeating Daniel Berger in a tense play-off at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.
The 24-year-old American began the final round one shot behind overnight leader Berger, who had led the tournament since the opening day. Berger appeared on course for a wire-to-wire victory when he extended his advantage to four shots approaching the turn.
However, Bhatia launched a remarkable charge on the back nine. Four consecutive birdies from the 10th hole brought him firmly into contention and shifted the momentum of the final round.
A bogey at the 15th briefly slowed his progress, but Bhatia responded in style with a stunning eagle on the 16th hole. The dramatic moment pulled him level with Berger after the leader dropped a shot shortly after. Both players parred the 18th to finish the regulation rounds tied at 15-under-par, with Bhatia posting a final-round 69.
The contest returned to the 18th hole for the tournament’s first play-off since 1999. Bhatia held his nerve, two-putting from around 25 feet to secure par, while Berger was unable to match the score, handing Bhatia the victory.
The win marks a unique milestone. Bhatia becomes only the eighth player in PGA TOUR history to earn his first three titles through play-offs, following earlier victories at the 2023 Barracuda Championship and the 2024 Valero Texas Open. The triumph also lifts him to second place in the FedExCup standings.
Reflecting on the victory, Bhatia expressed his appreciation for the significance of the event.
“Everyone knows how difficult this tournament is when you show up here. The field is elite, and it’s an honor to win Mr Palmer’s event,” he said.
He also shared the emotional motivation behind his performance.
“My niece passed away in December, so I felt she was watching over me this week. This win is for her.”
Despite missing out on the title, Berger remained positive about his performance after leading most of the tournament.
“It obviously didn’t go the way I wanted, but if someone had told me at the start of the week that I’d have a chance to win on the 18th hole at Bay Hill, I would have taken it,” Berger said.
“There are plenty of positives. My game feels sharp; I just need to tidy up a few things. Winning is never easy.”
American Cameron Young and Sweden’s Ludvig Åberg finished tied for third place at 12-under-par. FedExCup leader Collin Morikawa secured fifth place at 11-under-par.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler struggled throughout the week and finished tied for 24th, while World No. 2 Rory McIlroy withdrew on Saturday due to a back injury.
