Bhatia was 5 strokes behind after missing a birdie opportunity as he wrapped up the front 9.
Angry and bitter…he went on to birdie the next 4 holes – and then the shot of the tournament on 16…almost sinking an iron shot – set him up for an eagle – and all the sudden he was just 1 back on the lead with a couple holes to play.
Daniel Berger, who had hit the ball with insane perfection for 60 straight holes…finally started to wobble, cracked the door open just enough for Bhatia.
Berger though, nothing to be ashamed of…this is a guy who has missed large portions of the last 3 seasons due to injuries – broken finger, back problems…once a top 15 golfer in the world – Berger proved that he still has that in him. His 2nd place finish also guarantees him a spot in the British Open this year.
What we saw was magic. The first playoff at Bay Hill since 1999. That was 3 years before Bhatia was born!
Its just amazing all the little things that have to go right or wrong in a close finish like that. Bhatia almost plunked it in the water on 18 in regulation, but the ball gets caught on that thick rough, right next to the hazard.
Tier 1 tournament, can’t wait to go back next year.
Signed,
Brandon Kravitz
Photo: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images