Akshay Bhatia wins Texas Open, beating Denny McCarthy in wild finish

Field Level Media|published: Sun 7th April, 19:06 2024

Apr 7, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Akshay Bhatia hits a tee shot at the first hole during the final round of the Valero Texas Open golf tournament. credits: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Akshay Bhatia defeated Denny McCarthy on the first playoff hole to complete a wild win at the Valero Texas Open on Sunday at TPC San Antonio.

Bhatia began the day with a four-shot lead but went to a playoff after McCarthy finished his round with seven straight birdies for an 8-under 28 on the back nine and a final-round 63. Bhatia finished his 67 with a birdie on the par-5 18th but dislocated his left shoulder with a celebratory fist pump.

The players returned to the 18th tee, and Bhatia realized his shoulder was hurt after his drive. While Bhatia waited for a trainer to help him tape his shoulder, McCarthy put his third shot of the hole into the creek that runs alongside the green.

Bhatia promptly stuck his third shot 6 feet from the cup, and he drained his birdie to win the event and secure a berth into next week's Masters.

Both players finished at 20-under 268 after McCarthy's record-setting 28, which saw him drain birdie putts on the 10th and the 12th through 18th holes. Known as one of the best putters on the PGA Tour, McCarthy made a 32 1/2-footer at No. 12 and a 41-footer at No. 15 before a 12 1/2-foot putt from right to left at No. 18 got him to 20 under.

Bhatia and McCarthy finished nine strokes ahead of third-place Rory McIlroy, who shot a final-round 66 to come in at 11 under.

—Field Level Media