Indian-American players Sahith Theegala, who won his first PGA title in September, and Akshay Bhatia, who recently won the PGA Texas Open, are optimistic that their Masters victories will boost Indian golf.
The 22-year-old Indian-American Bhatia earned a berth in the Masters by winning the Valero Texas Open. He had a shoulder problem, yet he had an incredible game in both the regular season and the playoffs. Sahith Theegala, who is ranked No. 15, is gaining popularity alongside him. Their achievements are similar to the rise of Indian CEOs in US corporations.
After competing in the 2014 Augusta National Dive Chip and Putt finals, Bhatia’s desire to win the Masters has always been strong. His flight from San Antonio to Augusta was quick, arriving by private aircraft. Both players are aware of their impact on Indians and Indian Americans throughout the globe; Theegala takes pride in the backing he gets, while Bhatia shares stories of his interactions with younger Indian golfers.
With Theegala’s stellar debut from the previous year and Bhatia hoping to become the first rookie winner since 1979, their prospects at Augusta seem bright. Bhatia has even more advantages because left-handers like him have always performed well at Augusta. If they are successful, their influence will extend well beyond the golf course.
