Akshay Bhattia, who won consecutive Tour events a month earlier, switched to a broomstick putting stick before the 2023 Fortinet Championship.
Bhatia had a great rookie season, even though he didn’t use his putter. The 20-year old, who won his first Tour title at the Barracuda Championship in summer last year, was a very good player. He knew he needed to make a change in order to become more consistent. He changed his flatstick for three rounds of the RSM Classic and one round at Fortinet Championship. This week it was in the bag, and after three rounds of the season 2024, the switch seems to be paying off.
Bhatia, who is one shot behind the leader Chris Kirk, has completed three rounds at The Sentry 2024 at Kapalua, Maui in Hawaii. He sits at 20-under-199. The youngster, however, is the leader in Strokes Gained Putting.
Bhatia: “I played nicely today.” Bhatia said, “I didn’t make any errors. “Made some putts.” I regret that I 3-putted 18. I will think about it, but I had a great day. All of us played well as a group. “I’m looking forward tomorrow.”
What are the commonalities among winners of the last three years at Kapalua Golf Club? Putting is the leader in Strokes Gained.
The Sentry : Photos
Bhatia’s only blemish in his 7-under-66 third round came at the par-5 closing 18th hole, where he three-putted for the very first time. Bhatia’s par resulted, but he will still be on the final pairing for Sunday’s final rounds.
He said, “My caddie is here a lot and I rely on him.” “Our game plan is a good one. We know what holes to play conservatively and what holes to attack. And we also know what holes are best for us to plod. It’s possible to make a huge jump if you can get a few birdies at the tougher holes. You have to birdie a lot, as you mentioned. Many holes can be birdied, but it is not the end of world if you do not.
You just need to keep playing the golf course and you will get more comfortable. “That’s what I’m trying to do.”
The third round of The Sentry has four things that you should know.
