As Akshay Bhatia prepares for the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands, he approaches the event with a renewed sense of purpose and measured confidence. At just 23 years old, Bhatia’s journey on the PGA Tour has been marked by valuable lessons learned through both successes and setbacks, informing his strategy for this week’s competition.
Reflecting on the Challenges of the Recent U.S. Open
Following a tough performance at the U.S. Open held at Oakmont, where he missed the cut after two rounds, Bhatia shared candid thoughts about his current form and ambitions. The experience tested his resilience but also offered a pivotal moment for growth.
The last couple months have been very, very tough,
Bhatia remarked.
I feel like I’ve played a lot of good golf, and then have had one bad round or a stretch of bad holes.
He acknowledged the frustration that can come from such inconsistencies, but rather than allowing it to weigh him down, Bhatia is choosing to use it as motivation to reset his mindset.
I just kind of look forward to resetting and knowing that there is plenty of golf left for the rest of the year to push the things I want to.
He also highlighted the difference in atmosphere between the U.S. Open and the upcoming Travelers Championship, appreciating the latter’s less intense environment.
I’m looking forward to this week. It’s a less stressful environment than last week. So that’s a nice thing as well.
Why TPC River Highlands Holds a Special Place for Bhatia
Bhatia’s appreciation for the Travelers Championship extends beyond the event’s stature; he values the unique characteristics of TPC River Highlands that align well with his playing style. The course’s blend of classic design elements and strategic holes seems to speak directly to his strengths.
It has a lot of unique holes. You have a drivable par 4 which is a really nice finish on the 15th hole… it’s more of a classical golf course with the tree line,
he explained.
You know, when you think of the Travelers Championship, you just think of all the iconic shots that have been hit–especially on 18.
In terms of game strategy, Bhatia sees TPC River Highlands favoring his precise approach, particularly highlighting his confidence with his iron play.
I think my iron play has been really, really good, and going into this week it’s nice to have that strength.
Approaching This Year’s Event With Fresh Goals Compared to Last Season
After a standout performance at the 2024 Travelers Championship where he tied for fifth with rounds of 64, 65, 64, and 69, Bhatia is setting new objectives for this year’s tournament. His previous showing was a career-best and demonstrated his ability to handle pressure effectively, but this time his approach involves generating momentum rather than maintaining it.
This year, he aims to begin the event strongly and carry that energy into the rest of the season. Unlike last year, where he entered with positive momentum, his mindset now focuses on creating a foundation for future success.
Even if my preparation doesn’t feel as good as it needs to be, I’m hoping to flip the switch this week.
Finding Balance Away from the Greens: Family, Pets, and Home Comforts
Bhatia credits his off-course life for helping him decompress from the demands of professional golf. Central to his routine are his three golden doodles and the presence of his fiancé, Presleigh Schultz.
He values how traveling with his dogs turns the usual business travel into a more relaxed and homelike experience. Staying in houses rather than hotels while on the road makes the environment less formal and more comforting.
[After rounds] at least we’re going home to–no matter what–dogs that are always happy. And it’s a nice kind of decompression for me.
His fiancé’s steadfast support has also been a crucial emotional anchor throughout his career journey. Bhatia openly acknowledged her significant role in his life and on the Tour.
“For her to support me every week and walk 72 holes, I couldn’t imagine my life without her and being on this journey without her. She has done a lot for me.”
She makes my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every morning. She has seen me cry in the hotel room and seen me super happy. For her to see me here, she always keep telling me how good I am, even if I question myself sometimes.
Bhatia and Presleigh Schultz are expected to marry later this year.
Navigating Competition with Established Veterans and Embracing His Own Progress
Competing against seasoned players who frequently boast major championships and years of PGA Tour experience can be intimidating for any young professional. Bhatia, however, has adopted advice from his agent that helps him remain focused on his own path.
He shared how this perspective reshapes his view of success and progress in the sport, keeping self-imposed expectations realistic amid fierce competition.
“My agent, who’s been around for a long, long time and has a lot of wisdom, knows I want to compete against guys with more experience—guys who’ve won majors and are 7, 8, even 9 years older than me. But he always says, ‘as long as you’re able to beat your peers, you’re on the right track.’”
If I’m not winning a major championship or a signature event right now, just know–I’m ahead of where I should be in this game.
While learning to balance expectation with patience remains ongoing, Bhatia values the lesson deeply.
Sometimes it’s harder than it seems,
he admitted.
But it’s something I’ve always tried to appreciate.
As Akshay Bhatia steps onto the course at the Travelers Championship 2024, his refreshed outlook and commitment to growth position him as a player to watch. His blend of youthful energy, developing skill, and emotional support network could fuel a breakthrough performance. This event offers Bhatia a crucial opportunity to build momentum heading into the rest of the season, and many will be eager to see how he translates his reset into results on the leaderboard.