Bhatia hopes to overcome a tough course on his maiden visit to India

The Hero Indian Open golf has had its share of big names turning up over the years and the excitement around Akshay Bhatia would clearly be up there with the best. The 24-year-old Indian-origin American is on his first visit to the country and will be the top draw on the course, evident from the fact that he had an entire pre-event press conference to himself on Tuesday.

And he did not disappoint, making all the right noises, appreciating the course and looking forward to the competition. “This was supposed to happen in 2020 but then Covid happened. But happy to be here for the first time. The course looks very difficult from what I’ve seen. I just really look forward to being here and exploring some of Delhi,” Bhatia said at the interaction that started almost an hour late.

Considered one of the biggest upcoming talents on the PGA Tour since turning professional at the age of 19 in 2019, Bhatia already has three Tour titles under his belt including the marquee Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this month — all of them in playoffs.