He believed that achieving this score would highly likely secure his triumph at the Valero Texas Open and grant him entry to the Masters. However, fate had a different plan in store for him, as it ultimately resulted in a loss.
Bhatia fended off a wild comeback from Denny McCarthy to win the Valero Texas Open on Sunday at TPC San Antonio. The outcome Sunday was his second PGA Tour victory—an overtime victory over Denny McCarthy that was as impressive for Bhatia’s ability to stay in the moment as it was for his inspired play given the other-worldly birdie barrage from McCarthy.
The 22-year-old won the 2024 Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio after a playoff against Denny McCarthy on Sunday to claim his second PGA Tour victory.
Of course, he will also get a few other perks for winning this week. He not only earned an invite to the Masters, but next month’s PGA Championship as well.
A nerveless putt from almost 12 feet saw an impassioned Bhatia force McCarthy back to the 18th tee, but his celebration came at a cost.
The 88th Masters Tournament will begin at Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday. The bevy of past champions in the field includes world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (2022), defending champion Jon Rahm.
But once McCarthy made the turn, he took off. McCarthy birdied the 10th, and then made seven straight birdies to close out his round.
Despite the extra work, Bhatia became the first wire-to-wire winner in the event since Bob Estes in 1994. One-under through his first nine holes, 31-year-old McCarthy powered home with seven consecutive birdies to card a joint tournament best nine-under 6.
