Bhatia, meanwhile, beat Denny McCarthy in a playoff last year to win the Valero Texas Open. His victory at TPC San Antonio punched his ticket to Augusta National the following week, as Bhatia became the first Drive, Chip, and Putt participant to compete in The Masters.

Carding dueling 66s in the second round to reach 11 under, Min Woo Lee and Akshay Bhatia will share the 36-hole lead entering the weekend of the 2025 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.  The opportunity will mark the biggest of Bhatia's young career,

Lee has been a crowd favorite at TPC Sawgrass since contending in 2023. Bhatia is a two-time PGA Tour winner. Both are seeking their biggest wins.