PGA Tour Star Avoids Rory McIlroy Masters Meltdown, 'Stays in Own Lane'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kendall Capps | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 8:45 AM ET

Akshay Bhatia is quickly becoming a household name on the PGA Tour. The 23-year-old lefty is beginning to do the same at the Masters.

Bhatia carded a 2-under 70 during Thursday's opening round of the 89th Masters Tournament. That has him tied for seventh place with Jason Day, Aaron Rai, and Harris English.

Just as impressive was Bhatia's ability to remain focused despite playing alongside Rory McIlroy.

The Northern Irishman is a fan favorite, with thousands of patrons following their group, chanting and hollering.

The Los Angeles native made a wise decision in his approach on Thursday.

"It's really cool," Bhatia said after his round. "As a kid, I've grown up watching him [McIlroy]. To kind of be in that group, I was a little surprised. But it was awesome.

"I just kind of stay in my own lane, and I know -- it makes it feel a little bit more important, which is kind of nice, if you focus a little more."

Through 14 holes alongside McIlroy and Ludvig Aberg, the youngster held his own. He was even par while McIlroy was at 4-under, tied for second place.

Then the four-time major champion imploded late, carding two double bogeys.

Meanwhile, Bhatia birdied five of his final six holes of the day. He did so while having a keen sense of space.

"I just kind of let him do his own thing. I didn't want to -- as the young kid, I didn't want to bug him too much."

McIlroy likely has more pressure on him than anyone in the tournament. He is looking to snap an 11-year major drought, while going for the career Grand Slam at Augusta.

So, giving the veteran a little space seemed like a prudent decision.

Bhatia's rapidly improving play on tour has already led to two career victories. He captured the 2023 Barracuda Championship and the 2024 Valero Texas Open.

But if he wants to contend here, major improvements will be needed.

"My biggest problems I had today were I left myself some really tough five-footers down the hill.

"The nuance about Augusta National is you can be five feet away above the hole and you're playing so defensive and when the greens get crunchy like they did today, you're just kind of hitting and praying, honestly."

He will pray for another solid performance on Friday at 6:58 a.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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