Akshay Bhatia Clinches Playoff Win At Arnold Palmer Invitational Over Berger

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Akshay Bhatia claimed the Arnold Palmer Invitational after overturning Daniel Berger’s commanding lead at Bay Hill. Berger started the final nine holes four shots ahead in Florida, yet Bhatia surged back. The pair finished tied on 15 under, and a playoff was needed for the first time at this event since 1999.

Bhatia then held firm in extra holes while Berger’s struggles continued. Berger made a bogey in the playoff, opening the door. Bhatia secured par, which was enough to seal a third PGA Tour title and deny Berger a first victory on the circuit since 2021.

The contest turned on the back nine at Bay Hill, where the Arnold Palmer Invitational is staged. Bhatia produced four birdies in a row from the 10th to the 13th. An eagle on the 16th drew Bhatia level as Berger dropped a shot with a bogey on the 17th, setting up the playoff finish.

The final leaderboard at the Arnold Palmer Invitational showed how tight the battle became late on. Behind Bhatia and Berger, Ludvig Aberg shared third place with Cameron Young. Collin Morikawa, Sahith Theegala and Russell Henley all tied for fifth, while world number one Scottie Scheffler finished T24, missing the top 10 for a second straight event.

Bhatia underlined the difficulty of Bay Hill after lifting the Arnold Palmer Invitational trophy. "Everyone knows when you show up to Bay Hill, it's going to be a test and to play one of the hardest golf courses," Bhatia said. "To succeed is really cool, and I can't thank the tournament enough."

Berger missed out on the Arnold Palmer Invitational title but still earned a place at The Open. Berger chose to stress the progress made across the week at Bay Hill. "I'm proud of myself," Berger said. "Obviously, it didn't go the way I wanted it to, but at the start of the week, if you told me I would have a chance on the 18th hole to win Bay Hill, I would be ecstatic with that.

A lot of positives, a lot of things to learn from. I think my game is sharp, just need to clean a few things up here and there. It's tough to win. I feel like I did a good job, and a shot here or there was the difference." The final day at Bay Hill summed up how demanding the Arnold Palmer Invitational remains on the PGA Tour schedule.