At just 17 years old, Akshay Bhatia made a bold move that raised eyebrows in the golf world. He turned professional in 2019 after competing in the Walker Cup, becoming one of the youngest players to skip college and jump directly to the pro ranks. This decision was met with both excitement and skepticism, but Bhatia has proven that he is more than capable of holding his own on the PGA Tour.
Bhatia’s professional debut came at the Sanderson Farms Championship, where he showed off his impressive skills and potential. He may be young, but he has already made a name for himself in the golfing world and is well on his way to becoming a PGA Tour star. Let’s take a closer look at Bhatia’s journey and the essentials he carries in his bag.
Bhatia was born on January 31, 2002, in North Carolina and was introduced to golf at the young age of three by his father. He quickly fell in love with the sport and started playing competitively at the age of seven. Bhatia’s talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly rose through the ranks, winning multiple junior tournaments and earning a spot on the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup team in 2018.
In 2019, Bhatia made the decision to turn professional, forgoing his college eligibility and signing with Lagardere Sports. This move was met with some criticism, with many questioning if he was ready for the challenges of professional golf at such a young age. But Bhatia was determined to prove himself and show that he was ready for the big leagues.
His debut at the Sanderson Farms Championship was impressive, with Bhatia finishing tied for 74th. He then went on to make the cut at the Safeway Open and the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, showing that he could compete with the best players in the world. Bhatia’s game is characterized by his accuracy and consistency, and he has already caught the attention of top players like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.
Now, let’s take a look at Bhatia’s WITB (What’s In The Bag) and the essentials he carries with him on the course. Bhatia is currently sponsored by Titleist and uses their equipment, including the Titleist TS3 driver, TS3 fairway wood, and TS3 hybrid. He also carries the Titleist 718 AP2 irons and the Vokey SM7 wedges, which he has customized to his liking.
One of Bhatia’s most notable essentials is his putter, the Scotty Cameron T5W. He has been using this putter since he was 15 years old and has stuck with it ever since. Bhatia has a unique putting style, where he grips the club with his left hand below his right hand, and this putter has been customized to fit his grip and swing.
Another essential in Bhatia’s bag is his mental strength and determination. Despite his young age, he has shown a maturity and focus on the course that is beyond his years. He is not afraid to take risks and has a fearless attitude that has helped him succeed in the face of adversity. Bhatia’s hard work and dedication to the sport are evident, and it is clear that he has a bright future ahead of him.
In addition to his golfing essentials, Bhatia also carries a positive attitude and a strong support system with him. He credits his family and coaches for their unwavering support and guidance, and he is grateful for the opportunities he has been given. Bhatia also has a close relationship with his fellow players on the tour, and they have welcomed him with open arms.
In just a short time, Akshay Bhatia has made a lasting impression on the golfing world. His decision to turn professional at a young age may have been met with skepticism, but he has proven that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. With his impressive skills, mental strength, and unwavering determination, Bhatia is well on his way to becoming a PGA Tour star. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this young and talented golfer.
