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Akshay Bhatia wins Valero Texas Open Golf
Bhatia maintained a commanding four-shot lead, marking the largest lead seen in 20 years at the Valero Texas Open
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Akshay Bhatia / Instagram @akshaybhatia_1
Indian American golfer Akshay Bhatia won the Valero Texas Open Golf tournament in San Antonio, USA, setting himself up for a spot in the Masters and a second PGA TOUR title. After 54 holes, he held a commanding four-shot lead.
Bhatia finished strong with birdies on the final two holes at the TPC San Antonio, carding a 4-under 68. This performance gave him a four-shot lead over Denny McCarthy heading into the final round, as he aimed to secure the last spot in the Masters.
Bhatia's total score stood at 15-under 201. Following McCarthy, Brendon Todd was the nearest competitor to the lead, posting a 70 and trailing by seven shots. McCarthy remained the sole player keeping pace with the 22-year-old Indian-American.
Bhatia executed a flawless drive on the reachable par-4 17th hole, landing just short of the green with a front pin. He then sank a 12-foot putt for birdie. On the closing par 5, he opted to lay up and then hit a wedge to a back pin, landing just inside 10 feet before making the birdie putt.
The 22 year old maintained a commanding four-shot lead, marking the largest lead seen in 20 years at the Valero Texas Open. He went on to win the tournament. This win secured him the final spot in the Masters, a berth reserved for the Valero Texas Open winner if they are not already exempt.
In addition to earning the final spot in the Masters, the victory at the Valero Texas Open will grant Bhatia an exemption for the US Open. This is his second victory since last June when he won the Barracuda Championship, held as an Alternate Event during The Open Championship.
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