Akshay Bhatia resisted an incredible birdie run from Denny McCarthy to win a play-off at the Valero Texas Open and secure his Masters place. Here’s his club set-up.
The 22-year-old needed to win to earn an invite to Augusta National and reached the turn six shots clear on the final day at TPC San Antonio. But McCarthy reeled off eight birdies in nine holes and his nine-under 63 saw him tie the PGA Tour 72-hole record of just 92 putts.
Bhatia then had to make a 12-foot clutch putt to join McCarthy on 20 under par to force the play-off. There was more drama as he injured his shoulder celebrating his putt.
After receiving treatment, Bhatia secured victory on the first play-off hole with a birdie as McCarthy found the water with his third shot. It’s his second PGA Tour title after he won the 2023 Barracuda Championship.
Rory McIlroy meanwhile went bogey free, carding a six-under 66 to finish third on 11-under. It was an encouraging final round for McIlroy who now turns his attention to the Masters.
What’s in the bag?
Bhatia is a Callaway staffer and uses a full set of clubs made by the brand as well as his ball. He joined the brand at the age of 17 when he turned professional in September 2019.
He uses lead tape on his Callaway Rogue ST Max LS driver clubhead, adding 2 grams to the heel and 4 grams to the toe. He also has his driver, 3-wood, hybrid and two of his wedges bent to suit his yardages.
Driver
Callaway Rogue ST Max LS (9 degrees @7.2. 2 grams lead tape heel, 4 grams toe) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X
