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Indian-American golfers Akshay Bhatia, coming off a PGA Texas Open triumph, and Sahith Theegala, who won his first PGA title last September, hope their Masters starts can boost golf in India.
The 20-something Californians, whose families both emigrated to the United States from India, are among 89 players who began play at Augusta National on April 11.
“I don’t know if I quite realise what Sahith and I can do for golf in India,” Bhatia said.
“I know it’s really special when I have a bunch of fans looking up to me, a bunch of kids coming up to me.
“It’s awesome being able to grow the game not just in the States, but in India. It’s special to us, what we can do for golf, and the development we can accomplish for people over there is really cool.”
Theegala, who turns 27 on April 12 and has a single PGA Tour title, was thrilled about the Indian support he received at the Houston Open in March.
“You feel prideful. It’s really cool,” he said.
“In Houston, a bunch of young Indian kids came out and followed, and my parents were there and they were just encouraging them.
“A couple of Indian kids came up and said they’re playing golf because of me. It’s pretty crazy to hear that. Hopefully I can keep being an inspiration.”
Bhatia’s wire-to-wire Texas Open title last week earned him the final spot in this week’s Masters field, causing some last-minute changes in plans.
The 22-year-old was the first player to reach the finals of the junior Drive, Chip and Putt competition at Augusta National, which he did in the 2014 inaugural edition, and qualify for the Masters.
“Just the presence of this place is spectacular and I’m excited to be here as a participant,” Bhatia said.
“That first time at the Drive, Chip & Putt is pretty surreal as a kid. You don’t realise how lucky you are to have that opportunity.
“For everyone to be so gracious to let some kids hit some golf balls on the range, hit some putts on the 18th green, it was unreal.”
Bhatia injured his left shoulder late in his victory on April 7 in San Antonio, popping the shoulder out of place with a vigorous fist pump after sinking a long putt to force a play-off.
While it was popped back into place quickly, the shoulder remained a concern as he prepared for his Masters debut and only his second Major start after a share of 57th at the 2021 US Open.
“The shoulder is going to be a work in progress, for sure,” he said.
“I’ve had it happen two, three times. I had a full dislocation playing pickleball a couple years ago.
“So it’s nothing new to me. But it’s definitely something we’re going to have to work towards, and I have a lot of trust in my team that we can tee it up (at the Masters).”
AFP
