Akshay Bhatia Draws Attention for What He Did at Arnold Palmer Invitational

On Sunday, March 8, Akshay Bhatia won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in a riveting performance, and he's garnering attention for it.

Fans are all over social media commenting on the win and what it means to the player's legacy. Bhatia defeated Daniel Berger in a next-score-wins to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Berger led from Thursday, March 5, until the 71st hole and claimed the one spot available in the Open for the top finisher, not exempt, according to CBS Sports.

"Bhatia finished his week at Bay Hill Club & Lodge at 15 under, edging 18-, 36- and 54-hole leader Daniel Berger on the first playoff hole," Patrick McDonald of CBS Sports adds. The playoff marked the first one to take place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational since 1999.

In the victory, Bhatia became the eighth PGA Tour player in the history of the sport to win his first three tournaments in playoffs.

"Bhatia's game has always shown flashes of this level, but converting that at Bay Hill means something different entirely," one said on X immediately following the win.

"The fact Akshay Bhatia has three career PGA Tour wins and all 3three have come via Playoff is actually insane," another said.

Akshay Bhatia Gets Attention at Arnold Palmer Invitational

"Akshay Bhatia wins the Arnold Palmer Invitational in a sudden-death playoff over Daniel Berger," Nuclur Gold Stats shared after the win. "Bhatia shot a final round 69 (-3) to get into the playoff. Bhatia’s playoff record now goes to 3-0 on the PGA Tour. A dramatic finish at Arnie’s place."

Broadcaster Jeff Eisenband made the point, "One important change Akshay Bhatia made for 2026: Hiring Joe Greiner as caddie. You saw the chemistry of the two on Sunday at Bay Hill. Greiner, previously Max Homa’s long-time caddie, is such a calming presence and a brilliant golf mind. Plus, like Bhatia, he's a lefty."

"Congratulations to Akshay Bhatia and all those who were on him," another follower said, adding that they had "him at 115/1 to win the Players, which is effectively dead because he’s not going back to back. Regardless, was really cool to see him avenge the Sunday meltdown at Pebble. To TPC Sawgrass we go."

Fried Egg Golf shared a telling quote from earlier in the week from analyst Joseph LaMagna, stating, "Either Akshay Bhatia or Michael Thorbjornsen could become bona fide top-10 players in the world and it shouldn't surprise anybody. Bhatia's career has been a steady progression, and he has developed into a well-rounded pro with consistent ball-striking paired with a solid putter."