Sun. Dec 22nd, 2024
Occasional Digest - a story for you

Akshay Bhatia overcame a shoulder injury and a stunning surge from Denny McCarthy to win a play-off at the Texas Open and seal his Masters spot.

Bhatia was six shots clear at the turn before McCarthy, 31, birdied eight of his last nine holes to reach 20 under.

Bhatia also birdied the final hole to force a play-off but hurt his shoulder celebrating the crucial putt.

The 22-year-old was able to play on after treatment and sealed his second PGA Tour win at the first extra hole.

“It was just incredible to be able to be in this position,” Bhatia said. “My mum’s birthday was on 1 April, and her wish was [for me] to get into the Masters. So I hope I make her proud.”

After losing ground on leader Bhatia on Saturday, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and England’s Tommy Fleetwood produced their best rounds of the week to finish in the top 10.

Both players went bogey free, with McIlroy carding a six-under 66 to finish third on 11-under, nine shots off the leaders. Fleetwood posted a four-under 68 to finish tied for eighth on eight-under.

Bhatia began the day with a four-shot lead that soon became six with birdies at the first two holes.

But McCarthy wiped out that advantage with an incredible run on the back nine, including seven straight birdies, to post a final-round 63.

Bhatia responded with a birdie putt at the 18th to set up a play-off, but felt his shoulder pop out of his socket as he raised his arm in celebration.

He was able to continue after having it taped up and sunk a six-foot putt for victory after McCarthy sent his second shot into the water.

“This shoulder I’ve had some issues with and when I made that putt and raised my arm it came out of the socket and went back in,” said Bhatia.

“My physio will take care of me. I’m not too concerned, but it’s definitely a little uncomfortable right now.”

The Masters at Augusta National begins on Thursday.

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