Golf

Akshay Bhatia beats Denny McCarthy in Valero Texas Open play-off

Rory McIlroy finishes third overall after six birdies in a round of 66

Akshay Bhatia of the United States celebrates with his caddie Ryan Jamison after winning the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio, Texas. Photograph: Brennan Asplen/Getty Images
Akshay Bhatia of the United States celebrates with his caddie Ryan Jamison after winning the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio, Texas. Photograph: Brennan Asplen/Getty Images
PA Sport Staff
Mon Apr 08 2024 - 00:04

Akshay Bhatia came through a dramatic play-off to take his second PGA Tour win at the Valero Texas Open and book his ticket for next week’s Masters.

Denny McCarthy birded eight of the last nine holes, finishing with seven straight, to force Bhatia into a play-off, only to pitch his second shot into the water short of the green.

There was a further twist as Bhatia took time out to get his shoulder taped up, having apparently injured it celebrating the birdie putt on the 18th that kept him alive, but after McCarthy’s mistake he had the cushion he needed.

McCarthy had started the day four shots back but put in a masterful putting display in a round of 63, and his total of 92 putts across the four rounds matched a PGA Tour record.

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But Bhatia kept his cool and took his rewards, his second PGA Tour win after the Barracuda Championship in Truckee, California last season.

“I just stuck to my game plan, played great today and got the goal I had in mind,” he said on Sky Sports. “Denny played unbelievable, you’ve got to give him credit and when you see him get hot it’s scary.

“I had a six-shot lead going into the back nine and all of a sudden we’re tied. What a crazy day.

“This shoulder, I’ve had some issues with it and when I made that putt I raised my arm and it came out of the socket and went back in. Thankfully I got it taped up.”

Rory McIlroy had six birdies in a round of 66 that moved him up four places to finish third overall.