Arnold Palmer Invitational Playoff Thrills Golf Fans as Akshay Bhatia Outlasts Daniel Berger

Akshay Bhatia picked up his third PGA Tour win in dramatic fashion at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday.

The 24-year-old edged out Daniel Berger in a playoff after the two finished 15-under par through four rounds. The win marked Bhatia's third playoff win, meaning all of his PGA Tour wins have been decided by a playoff.

The exciting finished thrilled golf fans.

Berger posted a strong first round before allowing Bhatia to get back into it over the final three rounds. On Sunday, Bhatia posted three bogeys on the front nine, but made up for them with four consecutive birdies to start the back nine, plus an eagle on the 16th hole that tied him for the lead.

In the playoff, which was the first to be held at the Arnold Palmer Invitational since 1999, Berger faced a lengthy putt for birdie and missed, leaving the door open for Bhatia to win it on the first hole after he found the middle of the green on his first shot.

Berger then had an attempt for par, but missed short and allowed Bhatia to win it with his short putt.

The win continues what has been a solid start to the 2026 season for Bhatia. After missing the cut at the first two events of the year, he finished tied for third at the Waste Management Open before tying for sixth at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He tied for 16th at the Genesis Invitational in February.

Bhatia is now projected to move into second place in the FedExCup standings, just behind Collin Morikawa.