Akshay Bhatia Makes Key Club Change for Augusta’s Firm Conditions

At the same time, the challenge shifts around the greens. The grain at Augusta can affect how the club moves through the turf, particularly when the surface is dry and cut into the player. That is why Bhatia is testing different wedge grinds.

He is looking for setups that allow cleaner contact from tight lies, where reduced bounce or specific sole shapes can help the club move through the turf without skipping. He is also paying attention to the leading edge, so the club can get under the ball even when the grass slows it down.

Bhatia uses Callaway Opus SP wedges in multiple lofts to handle different sand conditions. He has shown elite form in 2026, ranking 7th in scrambling and 2nd in sand saves during his recent win at Bay Hill.

Akshay Bhatia Balances Wedge Setup With Strong Bunker Play at Augusta

“So it’s a fine balance because the bunkers are so good here, and my bunker game is really good with what I normally play, but it’s kind of a give and take when it comes to that type of grass,” added the American.

Bhatia has built a reliable record from the bunkers during the 2026 season, placing himself among the leading sand players on the PGA Tour.

He currently ranks fifth in sand save percentage at 69.57%, showing consistent conversion when missing greens. That form is not new either. During his win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, he converted 11 of 13 sand saves and ranked second in that category for the week.

That consistency has also shown up in moments. At The Players Championship, he played an 86-yard bunker shot to inside two feet, while in a February 2026 TGL match, he hit a 200-yard bunker shot to 16 feet.

Do you think Akshay Bhatia’s equipment tweaks will give him an edge at Augusta, or will the conditions still prove too tough?