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Akshay Bhatia overcame a shoulder injury and a stunning surge from Denny McCarthy to win a play-off at the Texas Open and seal his Masters spot.<\/b><\/p>\n
Bhatia was six shots clear at the turn before McCarthy, 31, birdied eight of his last nine holes to reach 20 under.<\/p>\n
Bhatia also birdied the final hole to force a play-off but hurt his shoulder celebrating the crucial putt.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old was able to play on after treatment and sealed his second PGA Tour win at the first extra hole.<\/p>\n
“It was just incredible to be able to be in this position,” Bhatia said. “My mum’s birthday was on 1 April, and her wish was [for me] to get into the Masters. So I hope I make her proud.”<\/p>\n
After losing ground on leader Bhatia on Saturday, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and England’s Tommy Fleetwood produced their best rounds of the week to finish in the top 10.<\/p>\n
Both players went bogey free, with McIlroy carding a six-under 66 to finish third on 11-under, nine shots off the leaders. Fleetwood posted a four-under 68 to finish tied for eighth on eight-under.<\/p>\n
Bhatia began the day with a four-shot lead that soon became six with birdies at the first two holes.<\/p>\n
But McCarthy wiped out that advantage with an incredible run on the back nine, including seven straight birdies, to post a final-round 63.<\/p>\n
Bhatia responded with a birdie putt at the 18th to set up a play-off, but felt his shoulder pop out of his socket as he raised his arm in celebration.<\/p>\n
He was able to continue after having it taped up and sunk a six-foot putt for victory after McCarthy sent his second shot into the water.<\/p>\n
“This shoulder I’ve had some issues with and when I made that putt and raised my arm it came out of the socket and went back in,” said Bhatia.<\/p>\n
“My physio will take care of me. I’m not too concerned, but it’s definitely a little uncomfortable right now.”<\/p>\n
The Masters at Augusta National begins on Thursday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n