Akshay Bhatia in Contention at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Akshay Bhatia is just one shot behind leader Daniel Berger as he heads into the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 8, 2026. Bhatia carded six birdies before play was halted due to inclement weather, showcasing his strong performance throughout the tournament.
With a score of 68 in the third round, Bhatia is currently 12 under par, while Berger leads at 13 under par. This positions Bhatia in contention for his first PGA Tour win since the 2021 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The final twosome, including Bhatia and Berger, is scheduled to tee off at 1:50 p.m. ET.
Bhatia has had a promising season, with a pair of top-10 finishes already under his belt. His consistent play has made him one of professional golf’s fastest-rising stars, and he is eager to capitalize on this opportunity.
In addition to his on-course success, Bhatia has also made headlines off the course. On the same day as the final round, TravisMathew announced a limited-edition collaboration with him. The collection, titled “Our Favorite Time of Year Collection,” features designs inspired by greens and azaleas, reflecting the tournament’s signature look.
Leif Sunderland, a representative from TravisMathew, commented, “Our Favorite Time of Year Collection is all about capturing the excitement and anticipation surrounding golf’s biggest moments.” This collaboration adds another layer of excitement to Bhatia’s already notable presence in the sport.
As Bhatia prepares for the final round, he remains focused and determined. He expressed, “Playing in a major is something that never gets old for me. It means a lot every time I tee it up.” His dedication to the game and his recent achievements have garnered attention from fans and analysts alike.
With the final round approaching, the golf community is keenly watching Bhatia’s performance. His ability to maintain composure under pressure will be crucial as he seeks to secure his first PGA Tour victory.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes to the tournament schedule due to weather conditions. However, Bhatia’s strong showing thus far has positioned him as a player to watch as the tournament unfolds.
