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Akshay Bhatia Beats Daniel Berger in Playoff to Win the Arnold Palmer Invitational

All three of his PGA Tour wins have come on first‑hole playoffs.

Overview

  • Bhatia erased a five-shot deficit on the back nine with four straight birdies and an eagle at the par-5 16th to reach 15-under and force extra holes.
  • He closed it out with a par on the first playoff hole after Berger missed a seven-foot putt, delivering Bay Hill’s first playoff since 1999.
  • The no-cut Signature Event carried a $20 million purse, with Bhatia earning $4 million and Berger collecting $2.2 million along with the red champion’s cardigan going to the winner.
  • The victory moves the 24-year-old into the world top 20 and represents his third PGA Tour title, each decided on the first extra hole.
  • Bhatia said he dedicated the win to his late niece, and PGA Tour officials reportedly asked the final group to speed up play during the closing stretch.