Akshay Bhatia, a 21-year-old who turned professional at 17 and performs on the Korn Ferry Tour, closed with a 65 to complete alone in second within the Puerto Rico Open and earned particular momentary membership on the PGA Tour, giving him limitless sponsor exemptions for the remainder of the season.
“I can’t consider I’m crying,” Bhatia had mentioned on Sunday as quoted by the PGA tour web site. “It means so much. Labored actually onerous; it’s been a loopy journey, for certain. Final 12 months was actually disappointing; I bought harm and didn’t get my card via the Korn Ferry Tour. It’s loopy. I’ve so many individuals to thank … it’s a loopy day. Didn’t even know I shot 7 underneath. Chipped in thrice on the identical gap via this week.
“It is a nice story, and I wish to write a ebook about my life and my journey. It’s undoubtedly going to be a very good chapter, for certain,” he added.
Welcome to the PGA TOUR, @AkshayBhatia_1 👏
Bhatia was emotional throughout his interview after securing Particular Short-term Membership @PuertoRicoOpen #TOURBound pic.twitter.com/mjo7QbuJao
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 5, 2023
Speaking about attaining the particular momentary membership, he mentioned, “It’s going to be a variety of emotion. I do know my dad’s going to essentially cry, which I’ve solely seen him do one time. My purpose this complete 12 months was to complete No. 1 on the Korn Ferry Tour (standings), play that manner, get my card that manner. However you recognize, only a totally different path. I’ve been on this place earlier than, and it actually makes me completely satisfied that I’ve dealt with it so a lot better and realized from all of the experiences I’ve had. I imply, how are you going to not be completely satisfied being on the PGA TOUR?”
In the meantime, Colombian rookie Nico Echavarria seized management with two straight birdies on the again 9 and closed with a 4-under 68 for a two-shot victory within the Puerto Rico Open for his first PGA Tour title.
Echavarria was soaked on a sunny day at Grand Reserve, with family and friends dousing him with champagne after he tapped in for par. He tied the match document at 21-under 267.
“I’m pleased with life proper now,” Echavarria mentioned. “After lacking 4 cuts in a row, solely making two cuts, you simply doubt your self. I’m very grateful I saved pushing and bought it achieved.”
Carson Younger, who led via 36 holes, had a 71 and completed third tied with Nate Lashley (69).