Akshay Bhatia Facts: 20 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour Golfer

Get to know the American professional Akshay Bhatia a little better with these 20 facts about his life and career so far

Akshay Bhatia smiles at The Sentry in 2024
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Akshay Bhatia is a rising star on the PGA Tour and already has two victories under his belt before his 23rd birthday. But how much do you know about him? If the answer is 'not a lot' then don't fear - we've got you covered...

AKSHAY BHATIA FACTS

1. Bhatia was born on January 31, 2002 in Northridge, California.

2. He turned professional in 2019.

3. Bhatia was inspired to play golf by his older sister who began the sport herself at an early age.

4. His name is pronounced Ock-sheh buh-tee-uh.

5. As an amateur, Bhatia made his PGA Tour debut at the 2019 Valspar Championship on a sponsorship exemption but missed the cut.

6. His first PGA Tour event was at the 2019 Sanderson Farms Championship, where he missed the cut.

7. Bhatia was runner-up at the 2018 US Junior Amateur.

8. According to his PGA Tour bio, Bhatia loves Korean Barbecue food.

9. He won two silver medals at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics. They arrived in the boy's individual event and the mixed team competition, alongside Lucy Li.

10. Bhatia earned Special Temporary Member status on the PGA Tour after a runner-up finish at the 2023 Puerto Rico Open.

Akshay Bhatia with the Barracuda Championship trophy

Akshay Bhatia with the Barracuda Championship trophy

(Image credit: Getty Images)

11. Bhatia lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.

12. Bhatia represented the United States in the 2017 Junior Presidents Cup, in the 2018 Junior Ryder Cup in 2018, and in the 2019 Walker Cup, helping all three sides to victory.

13. His best finish at a Major championship arrived at the 2024 US Open (Pinehurst No.2) where he ended T16.

14. His first start on the Korn Ferry Tour resulted in a victory at the The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic in January 2022. However, he failed to earn a full PGA Tour card via the usual route after ending the season in 30th after not making a cut during the Finals.

15. In July 2023, he earned his first PGA Tour victory at the Barracuda Championship by beating Patrick Rodgers in a playoff on the first extra hole. His second PGA Tour win, which arrived at the 2024 Valero Texas Open, was also via a playoff with Bhatia triumphing over Denny McCarthy.

16. He plays golf left-handed - one of very few players on the PGA Tour to do so.

17. Bhatia uses a 44" broomstick-shaft Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K No. 7 putter.

18. Bhatia's girlfriend - who he met before the 2021 Valero Texas Open - is called Presleigh Schultz, and she has previously served as his caddie.

19. His best OWGR Rank is 25th.

20. Bhatia is a Callaway staffer and uses their clubs right throughout the bag, except for his putter.

AKSHAY BHATIA BIO

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BornJanuary 31, 2002 - Northridge, California
Height6ft 1in (1.85m)
Turned Pro2019
Current TourPGA Tour
Former ToursPGA Tour Canada, Korn Ferry Tour
Pro Wins6
Highest OWGR25th
Best Major FinishT16th (2024 US Open)

AKSHAY BHATIA PGA TOUR WINS

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YearEventWinning Score
2023Barracuda Championship40 points (playoff - Patrick Rodgers)
2024Valero Texas Open-20 (playoff - Denny McCarthy)
Jonny Leighfield
Staff Writer

Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.