Masters: Akshay Bhatia unprecedented dream 10 years in making

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Ten years in the past, in 2014, Bhatia, solely 12 years outdated on the time, participated within the inaugural Drive, Chip, and Putt championship at Augusta Nationwide.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 notice how fortunate we’re to have that chance,” Bhatia mentioned Monday.

“And for everybody to be so gracious to let some children hit some golf balls on the vary, hit some putts on the 18th inexperienced, it was unreal. And I keep in mind making that putt, carrying these saggy pants, fortunately my model’s gotten a little bit higher [since then].”

Like his model, his play on the golf course has improved, too. Take a look at what he did on the Sunday earlier than The Masters this yr.

Picture by Raj Mehta/Getty Pictures

He punched his ticket to Augusta in otherworldly style, successful the Valero Texas Open in a wild playoff to safe the 89th and remaining place on this yr’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 pressure 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 enjoying rather well all day, and Denny simply discovered this fireplace in him. I feel he had seven one-putts on the again 9, it was fairly spectacular. ” Bhatia mentioned.

“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 turn out to be 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 de facto cool,” Bhatia mentioned.

“So I’m hoping this may encourage loads of children which might be 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.

Picture by Raj Mehta/Getty Pictures

But it surely was a second within the grandstand to the left of the 4th inexperienced that impressed Bhatia.

“I keep in mind popping out watching the observe rounds on Tuesday,” Bhatia mentioned.

“We had been sitting on Gap 4 within the grandstands, and it was simply so surreal. I keep 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 yr’s Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship can 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 can 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 yr’s Masters.

And who is aware of? Possibly he could make much more historical past by successful the Inexperienced Jacket.

That may be an unimaginable full-circle second.

Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By way of. Remember to try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You may comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as effectively.