A dislocated shoulder didn’t stop Akshay Bhatia from qualifying for the Masters.
Bhatia during Sunday’s Valero Texas Open was forced into a playoff after Denny McCarthy birdied eight of his last nine holes in a furious comeback effort.
But Bhatia pulled through in the end despite injuring his shoulder while celebrating with a fist pump earlier on the day.
With the crucial win, Bhatia earned a spot in the 2024 Masters — and the last one out of a 89-player field.
Here’s everything to know about Bhatia ahead of golf’s premier tournament:
Bhatia is an Indian American professional golfer who will be competing in the 2024 Masters after winning the Valero Texas Open.
Bhatia is 22 years old. He was born on Jan. 31, 2002.
Bhatia was born in Northridge, Calif., but now resides in Wake Forest, N.C.
Bhatia turned professional in 2019 after competing in several amateur golf tournaments. Bhatia competed in the 2014 Drive, Chip & Putt competition 10 years ago, and now he’s returning to Augusta National for the Masters. He’s the first Drive, Chip & Putt alum to do so.
Bhatia’s win at the 2024 Valero Texas Open marked his second PGA Tour win. His first came in 2023 at the Barracuda Championship.
The 2024 Masters will mark Bhatia’s debut in the tournament. The only other major he competed in was the U.S. Open in 2021, where he finished tied for 57th.
Bhatia currently is the No. 87-ranked golfer in the world, via Official World Golf Ranking. He’s up from No. 95 in the last edition. No. 87 is also his highest ever.
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