Augusta, Georgia, April 8: Form and momentum often shape the narrative heading into the Masters, and Akshay Bhatia arrives at Augusta this year with plenty of both. The 24-year-old Indian-American has quietly built one of the most consistent runs on the PGA Tour in recent months, putting himself in contention for a breakthrough performance at the season’s first Major.
With a win and four other top-16 finishes in his last six starts worldwide, Bhatia has emerged as a serious contender rather than just an outsider. The three-time PGA Tour winner, including a Signature event at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, has shown he can compete against elite fields. Despite missing the cut at the Hero Indian Open during his maiden visit to India last month, his overall body of work in 2026 remains impressive.
Bhatia’s recent results include a tied-third finish at the Phoenix Open, tied-sixth at AT&T Pebble Beach, tied-16th at the Genesis Invitational, and tied-13th at The Players Championship. Strong performances in the opening months of the year often translate well at Augusta, and Bhatia fits that pattern despite a slow start with missed cuts at The American Express and the Farmers Insurance Open.
Now part of Tiger Woods’ Jupiter Links team in the TGL league, he has continued to build confidence. Last year, he showed his potential with a tied-third finish at The Players, and he has already added a major victory this season at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Bhatia’s previous appearances at Augusta have been modest—tied-35th in 2024 and tied-42nd in 2025—but he has gained valuable experience and also made the Tour Championship.
Among other Indian-origin players, Sahith Theegala will miss this year’s Masters due to injuries that affected his 2025 season, preventing him from qualifying. Indo-British golfer Aaron Rai has also had a slow start to the year while recovering from a neck injury, with his best result being tied-23rd at the Cognizant Classic.
As for the favourites, defending champion Rory McIlroy enters with mixed form. Although he had a strong 2025 season with wins at Pebble Beach and The Players, he has yet to win in 2026. A runner-up finish at the Genesis Invitational is his best result this year, but he withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational and finished tied-46th at The Players. Having not competed in four weeks, questions remain about his readiness to defend his title.
Scottie Scheffler, a two-time Masters champion in the past three years, remains a top contender despite what might be considered a relatively quiet season by his high standards. With a win at The American Express and several top finishes, he continues to be one of the strongest candidates for another Green Jacket.
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