Akshay Bhatia wins PGA Tour’s Arnold Palmer Invitational in playoff over Daniel Berger

Mar 9, 2026 - 01:00

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 08: Akshay Bhatia of the United States shakes hands with Daniel Berger of the United States after the two tie forcing a playoff during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2026 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 08, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Akshay Bhatia has a hat trick.

There have been some close calls this season for Bhatia, most notably at Pebble Beach, and on Sunday at Bay Hill he found a way to break through. It took overtime for the victory to happen, but Akshay outlasted Daniel Berger for his third professional win on the PGA Tour.

It looked like Akshay was going to close things out in 72 holes, but his approach shot at Bay Hill’s iconic 18th went just a bit too far right. Credit to Daniel Berger is due as he was incredible over the course of the entire tournament, but he drained a par putt on the hole in question that he knew he was going to need to head to a playoff.

Only one playoff hole was necessary though as Bhatia made par again, this time in an effort that was more than good enough. It marked his third career win as noted, and there is something they all have in common.

Akshay Bhatia has only ever won in playoffs, and always on the first hole

There have been three instances in Akshay Bhatia’s career where he has gone to a playoff. He has won them all.

What is even more amazing is that Akshay has won all three of these playoffs and won it on the first hold each time.

Akshay Bhatia’s career in playoffs on the PGA Tour:

2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard (def. Daniel Berger)

2024 Valero Texas Open (def. Denny McCarthy)

2023 Barracuda Championship (def. Patrick Rodgers)

It has been a season of close calls for Bhatia, friend of SB Nation by the way, as he entered the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard with a pair of top 10 finishes to his name.

Akshay Bhatia Results, 2026

The American Express: CUT
Farmers Insurance Open: CUT
WM Phoenix Open: T3
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: T6
The Genesis Invitational: T16
Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard: WIN

Bhatia is putting together an incredible campaign, one that is in peak form as we head to the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass as the Florida swing continues.

It stands to reason this will not be the only time that Akshay wins in 2026.