Akshay Bhatia: The 22-year-old beanpole who just played his way into the Masters
When Akshay Bhatia’s mother celebrated her birthday earlier this month, her one wish was that her son would get to play in the Masters. But with the tournament just days away, the beanpole lefty still hadn’t received one of the precious green envelopes that extends an invitation to play in the first major of the season. He doesn’t need to check the mailbox anymore.
On Sunday, Bhatia became the last player to secure a spot in this week’s field at Augusta National Golf Club—and he did it in mind-blowing fashion. Bhatia’s delirious victory at the Texas Open, which included celebrating a birdie putt with such enthusiasm that he dislocated his own shoulder, didn’t merely punch his ticket to the first Masters of his career. It was also a crowning achievement for an up-and-coming 22-year-old who has been an object of fascination in the golf world ever since he turned pro as a teenager.
Bhatia might look more at home pouring cappuccinos in a Brooklyn coffee shop than pounding drives off the tee. He’s the rare professional golfer who wears glasses while he plays—an oversized pair of frames that are wider than his face. And he’s listed at 6-foot-1 and 130 pounds, which might be true only after scarfing down a plateful of pimento cheese sandwiches.
But that slender build didn’t stop him from driving the ball an average of 317 yards last week, the eighth highest in the entire field. That helped Bhatia make history—even though this week won’t actually be his first trip to Augusta National. As a 12-year-old, Bhatia participated in the club’s Drive, Chip and Putt event for juniors, meaning he’s now the first player to compete in that event and eventually make it into the Masters.
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