Akshay Bhatia Surprises at Charles Schwab Challenge with Strong Play

FORT WORTH, Texas — Akshay Bhatia showcased an impressive performance at the Charles Schwab Challenge this weekend, starting with a remarkable two-day total of 67-66. His play places him at minus-7, tied for fifth and only four shots behind the leader.

Bhatia revealed that his success is linked to a new mental approach he has adopted during this tournament. “I came here with a very different mindset that I haven’t had this year,” Bhatia said. His refreshed outlook comes after a challenging period post-The PLAYERS Championship, where he struggled with his game.

Before the Charles Schwab Challenge, Bhatia had mixed results in previous tournaments. After an initial strong start to the season that included four made cuts and a pair of ninth-place finishes, he faced difficulty at the Valero Texas Open, missing the cut.

This season, his statistics highlight the contrast in his game. He ranks ninth in Strokes Gained: Putting and 46th in Approach the Green. However, he struggles off the tee, sitting at 118th overall. “I have one or two really bad golf swings that cost me a lot of shots,” he stated.

Following a difficult experience at the Masters, where he cracked his driver, Bhatia has faced challenges consistently on the course. “My golf swing is nowhere close to where I want it to be,” he admitted.

Despite these challenges, Bhatia managed to use strategy to his advantage on Colonial’s twisting fairways. He played smart, opting for a 10-degree mini-driver and using his driver only on five holes. His scorecard featured nine birdies and two bogeys, a reflection of his determination and resilience.

As he looks ahead, Bhatia believes his secret to success lies in newfound resolve and maintaining a positive attitude. “Just a little more determination,” he concluded.