Career Timeline of Akshay Bhatia: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Akshay Bhatia built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Akshay Bhatia is an American professional golfer who started his PGA Tour journey at a young age. At just 17, he received a sponsor exemption to participate in the Valspar Championship in 2019, marking his first appearance on the tour. He officially turned professional later that same year, making his debut at the Sanderson Farms Championship in the fall.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2014: Drive, Chip & Putt Competition Finalist

In 2014, Akshay Bhatia made the finals of the Drive, Chip & Putt competition at Augusta National.

2017: Junior Presidents Cup Team

In 2017, Akshay Bhatia played on the Junior Presidents Cup team, which won.

2018: Junior Ryder Cup and Summer Youth Olympics

In 2018, Akshay Bhatia represented the United States at the Junior Ryder Cup and the Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, winning two silver medals at the Youth Olympics.

2018: Runner-Up at U.S. Junior Amateur and Summer Youth Olympics Medals

In 2018, Akshay Bhatia was runner-up at the U.S. Junior Amateur and also won two silver medals at the Summer Youth Olympics in the boy's individual and the mixed team with Lucy Li.

April 18, 2019: Web.com Tour Debut

On April 18, 2019, Akshay Bhatia made his Web.com Tour debut at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Championship, where he made the cut and finished T-42.

September 2019: Turned Professional

In September 2019, Akshay Bhatia turned professional after competing in the Walker Cup. He made his professional debut at the Sanderson Farms Championship.

2019: Walker Cup Selection

In 2019, Akshay Bhatia became the youngest and first high schooler to represent the United States in the Walker Cup.

2019: PGA Tour Debut at Valspar Championship

In 2019, Akshay Bhatia made his PGA Tour debut at the Valspar Championship on a sponsor exemption, but he missed the cut.

2019: First PGA Tour Start and Professional Debut

In 2019, Akshay Bhatia made his first PGA Tour start at the Valspar Championship and turned professional later that year. He made his professional debut at the Sanderson Farms Championship that fall.

August 5, 2020: Swing Thought Tour Victory

On August 5, 2020, Akshay Bhatia won the ST 11 @ Old South Golf, an event on the Swing Thought Tour, by three strokes.

February 25, 2021: Second Swing Thought Tour Victory

On February 25, 2021, Akshay Bhatia won his second Swing Thought Tour event, ST 12 @ Brunswick, in a playoff.

June 2021: U.S. Open Qualification

In June 2021, Akshay Bhatia qualified for the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. He made the cut and finished tied for 57th in his first major championship appearance.

January 2022: Korn Ferry Tour Victory

In January 2022, Akshay Bhatia won The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour, marking his first start as a member. However, he finished 30th, not earning a PGA Tour card.

July 2023: First PGA Tour and European Tour Victory

In July 2023, Akshay Bhatia secured his first PGA Tour and first European Tour victory by winning in a playoff at the Barracuda Championship.

2023: Earned Special Temporary Member status on the PGA Tour

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

April 2024: Valero Texas Open Victory

In April 2024, Akshay Bhatia won the Valero Texas Open in a playoff over Denny McCarthy.

2024: Masters Tournament Qualification

In 2024, Akshay Bhatia became the first ever Drive, Chip & Putt competition finalist to reach the Masters Tournament by virtue of his win at the Valero Texas Open.