Akshay Bhatia’s first look at The Masters carries substantial historic significance.
Ten years in the past, in 2014, Bhatia, solely 12 years outdated on the time, participated within the inaugural Drive, Chip, and Putt championship at Augusta Nationwide. He wore saggy khakis, a Carolina-Blue polo, and a white hat on that memorable Sunday earlier than Masters week.
“That first time on the Drive, Chip & Putt is fairly surreal as a child. You simply don’t understand how fortunate we’re to have that chance,” Bhatia stated Monday.
“And for everybody to be so gracious to let some youngsters hit some golf balls on the vary, hit some putts on the 18th inexperienced, it was unreal. And I bear in mind making that putt, carrying these saggy pants, fortunately my fashion’s gotten a bit higher [since then].”
Like his fashion, his play on the golf course has improved, too. Take a look at what he did on the Sunday earlier than The Masters this 12 months.
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He punched his ticket to Augusta in otherworldly vogue, successful the Valero Texas Open in a wild playoff to safe the 89th and ultimate place on this 12 months’s subject.
After holding a six-shot lead halfway by means of the ultimate spherical, Bhatia fended off a red-hot Denny McCarthy, who shot a 8-under 28 on the again 9 to power further holes. Bhatia wanted to win at TPC San Antonio to get to Augusta, whereas something however would depart him out of the sector.
“I used to be taking part in rather well all day, and Denny simply discovered this hearth in him. I feel he had seven one-putts on the again 9, it was fairly spectacular. ” Bhatia stated.
“Simply to be standing right here, it’s superb, and simply having the chance, the members giving us the chance to play their golf course is definitely particular, and I can’t wait to be on that first tee on Thursday.”
When he steps foot on the first tee Thursday, Bhatia will develop into the primary participant who has participated within the Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship to compete in The Masters.
“Being right here and being the primary Drive, Chip & Putt participant within the Masters is absolutely cool,” Bhatia stated.
“So I’m hoping this will encourage a variety of youngsters which are having the chance to play.”
He definitely felt impressed by these competing within the 2014 Masters.
That week, Bhatia remembers bumping into John Daly within the elevator of his lodge. He additionally recollects driving up Magnolia Lane for the primary time and assembly many new pals.
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But it surely was a second within the grandstand to the left of the 4th inexperienced that impressed Bhatia.
“I bear in mind popping out watching the follow rounds on Tuesday,” Bhatia stated.
“We have been sitting on Gap 4 within the grandstands, and it was simply so surreal. I bear in mind how dangerous I needed to be on the market and never simply watch.”
Now it has come full circle for Bhatia. Those that competed on this 12 months’s Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship may have the chance to look at him scout Augusta on Tuesday.
He didn’t do a lot preparation on Monday, however relaxation assured that Bhatia will likely be able to go. The adrenaline from Sunday’s victory at TPC San Antonio will nonetheless pump by means of him all week, giving him the vitality he must compete at this 12 months’s Masters.
And who is aware of? Possibly he could make much more historical past by successful the Inexperienced Jacket.
That might be an unimaginable full-circle second.
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By means of. Remember to try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You may observe him on Twitter @jack_milko as nicely.