Akshay Bhatia: Golfer Bio, Caddie, Wife, Net Worth, Age & Parents

Akshay Bhatia is one of the most exciting young talents in professional golf today. Born in Northridge, California, on January 31, 2002, Bhatia quickly moved from a promising junior golfer to a winner on the PGA Tour — becoming an inspiration for Indian-American athletes and golf fans worldwide. From his early years and family support to impressive career victories and personal life, this article explores every detail about Akshay Bhatia’s life and legacy.

Early Life & Background

Akshay Bhatia was born on January 31, 2002 in Northridge, California, in the United States. He is currently 24 years old (as of 2026).

His parents, Sonny (Sunil) Bhatia and Renu Bhatia, are of Indian origin — his father originally from New Delhi, and his mother from Hyderabad, India. They relocated to the U.S. before Akshay was born. They have played an instrumental role in his development as a golfer.

Akshay’s family moved to Wake Forest, North Carolina, during his childhood — an area rich in golfing culture — which helped him and his older sister Rhea develop their golf games early.

Introduction to Golf

Akshay didn’t come from a long line of professional golfers, but the sport became a family passion when his older sister Rhea began playing first. That sparked Akshay’s interest and led to intense practice from a very young age.

His father frequently took him to local golf courses, where he spent countless hours working on technique and shot-making. In many ways, his family acted as his first team — nurturing his talent and instilling discipline.

Amateur Success

Before turning pro, Akshay Bhatia had a decorated amateur career — including:

• Representing the United States at the Junior Presidents Cup (2017) and Junior Ryder Cup (2018).

• Competing at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics and earning two silver medals.

• Becoming one of the youngest golfers in history to compete in prestigious amateur events like the Walker Cup.

His success at a young age, especially breaking records and setting personal bests, established him as a top amateur performer in the U.S. before making the leap to professional golf.

Turning Professional

At age 17, Bhatia received a sponsor exemption to compete in the 2019 Valspar Championship, marking his first PGA Tour start. Later that year, he turned professional and competed in the Sanderson Farms Championship, signaling the beginning of his professional career.

He split his early professional time between the PGA Tour Canada and the Korn Ferry Tour — ultimately winning The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2022, becoming the third-youngest player to win at that level.

Rise on the PGA Tour

Akshay’s ascent continued rapidly once he began making waves on the PGA Tour:

First PGA Tour Victory

In July 2023, Bhatia clinched his first PGA Tour win at the Barracuda Championship in a playoff against Patrick Rodgers, securing full exempt status through at least 2025.

Valero Texas Open Champion

He followed that success with a dramatic playoff victory at the 2024 Valero Texas Open, earning a coveted spot in the Masters Tournament. The win also catapulted his world ranking into the Top 30 — a huge achievement for a young player still early in his professional journey.

Major Performances

Bhatia made the cut in the 2024 Masters, finishing in the Top 40 and continued to show improvement in major championships, including a solid performance at the U.S. Open.

Playing Style & Skills

Akshay Bhatia is known for his:

• Left-handed swing, a rarity on the PGA Tour, making him stand out among his peers.

• Versatile shot-making ability — from long drives off the tee to precision around the greens.

• Strong performance metrics in advanced analytics like Greens in Regulation and Strokes Gained categories.

His mix of technical ability, competitive drive, and calm temperament under pressure has made him a serious threat week after week on the professional circuit.

World Ranking & Achievements

Akshay has climbed into the upper echelon of global golf, reaching a career-high Official World Golf Ranking of No. 25 in mid-2024 and staying competitive in the Top 50 thereafter.

Noteworthy accomplishments include:

• Two PGA Tour wins.

• Multiple top-10 finishes in official events.

• Competitive appearances at golf’s biggest stages such as The Masters and the Players Championship.

His success at a young age positions him among the sport’s most promising young stars worldwide.

Net Worth & Earnings

Estimating the net worth of a professional golfer involves total career prize money, endorsements, and sponsorship deals. According to industry reports:

• Bhatia’s career earnings from official events alone approach $9.5+ million as of 2025.

• His net worth from combined earnings, endorsements, and brand partnerships is estimated in the multi-million dollar range — with figures around $10 million+ as of early 2025.

He holds endorsement deals with major golf brands like Callaway Golf and a number of corporate sponsors, which significantly contribute to his off-course income.

Personal Life — Wife & Relationships

Akshay Bhatia’s personal life is often of interest to fans and media alike. He has been linked romantically with Presleigh Schultz — described in multiple golf profiles as his girlfriend and frequent support on tour.

Presleigh Schultz has occasionally appeared in his social media, and although they are not officially married, their relationship is often described as a committed partnership that began before his breakout success on tour.

There have also been references to Presleigh having caddied for Bhatia early in his career, highlighting the trust and mutual support in their relationship.

Family & Support System

Parents:

• Father: Sonny (Sunil) Bhatia — originally from Delhi, involved in real estate and a key motivator in Akshay’s golfing journey.

• Mother: Renu Bhatia — originally from Hyderabad, balanced work and family while supporting Akshay’s early golf development.

His family’s sacrifices — including moving to facilitate better training and travel to competitions — have been central to his rise.

Caddie & Support Team

Like all top golfers, Bhatia works closely with his caddie and coaching team. While specific caddie names change over time, the dynamic between the player and his bag-carrier is crucial in golf — especially during high-pressure rounds. His support team also includes swing coaches, fitness trainers, and analytics experts who help him compete at the highest level.

Player Challenges & Controversies

While Akshay’s popularity is high, he hasn’t been free from golf’s occasional controversies. During early 2026, accusations arose around an anchoring putting style at Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which he publicly denied.

He also made headlines for turning down offers to join rival golf leagues — such as reports of declining a lucrative LIV Golf proposal to remain focused on the PGA Tour and related commitments.

Future Outlook

At just 24, Akshay Bhatia’s potential seems limitless. Golf analysts and fans expect him to:

• Continue climbing the world rankings.

• Compete in more major championships.

• Possibly break into the top ten in the global rankings.

• Establish lasting legacy both on and off the course.

His story — from a junior golf star to PGA Tour winner — has already inspired countless young golfers, especially among Indian-American communities worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Akshay Bhatia’s age?
A: Akshay Bhatia was born on January 31, 2002, making him 24 years old as of 2026.

Q2. Is Akshay Bhatia married?
A: Akshay Bhatia is not yet married, but he has been in a long-term relationship with Presleigh Schultz, who has been featured alongside him on tour.

Q3. What is Akshay Bhatia’s net worth?
A: His estimated net worth is over $10 million, including PGA Tour earnings and endorsement income.

Q4. Who are Akshay Bhatia’s parents?
A: His parents are Sonny (Sunil) and Renu Bhatia — Indian-origin immigrants who supported his golf career from a young age.

Q5. Which major championships has Akshay played?
A: He has competed in the Masters and U.S. Open, with competitive finishes noted in recent seasons.

Conclusion

Akshay Bhatia’s rise in professional golf exemplifies talent, dedication, and the powerful role of family support. From early successes as a junior and amateur golfer to multiple PGA Tour victories, his journey continues to captivate golf fans around the world.