Bhatia defends Texas Open with Masters in mind
When then-22-year-old Akshay Bhatia beat Denny McCarthy in a playoff to win the Valero Texas Open last year at TPC San Antonio, he got to do one of the most enjoyable things in the world of golf.
He got to board a flight to Augusta, Georgia.
Bhatia’s victory earned him the final spot available in the field at the Masters the following week, and he went on to tie for 35th.
“I played so great the whole week [in San Antonio],” Bhatia told reporters Tuesday ahead of his title Texas Open defense. “I honestly don’t know how I did it, shooting 20-under, Denny and I, and I think third place was 11-under.”
“You step on this property and you realize how hard this golf course is. Just such a whirlwind,” he went on. “Then going to Augusta the following night, just great memories. You know, I look forward to see if I can get back in that position this week.”
Bhatia was the solo leader after each of the first three rounds last year before McCarthy caught up to him with a final-round 63. Bhatia won it with a birdie on the first playoff hole.
This time around, Bhatia hasn’t really thought about defending his title. He’s already in the field for the 2025 Masters, and this week is more about rounding into form for the year’s first major.
“You know, I checked into the hotel and someone asked me, he said, ‘How ya feeling this week?’” Bhatia said. “I said, ‘Yeah, it’s nice to be back.’ He’s like, ‘So, but how are you feeling? Are you nervous?’ I mean, I haven’t really thought about it.”
“I feel like it’s just another week. I have my mind really set on Augusta next week so it’s a great week on this golf course to kind of learn where my game’s at.”
