Arnold Palmer Invitational 2026 Winner: Akshay Bhatia Wins in Playoff — Daniel Berger's Heartbreaking Three-Putt on 18
Akshay Bhatia is the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational champion. In one of the most dramatic finishes in Bay Hill history, Bhatia ran down wire-to-wire leader Daniel Berger Sunday and defeated him in a playoff when Berger three-putted from across the green on the 18th hole. Bhatia made par on the first playoff hole to claim the biggest victory of his career and the $4 million winner's share.
How Akshay Bhatia Won at Bay Hill — The Final Round Comeback
Bhatia could not have started worse, hitting his second shot into the water on the par-5 second hole early in Round 4, falling three behind Berger. What followed was one of the most relentless back-nine charges in recent Arnold Palmer Invitational history. Bhatia birdied four of the first four holes on the back nine, cutting Berger's lead to one. He then nearly holed out from the fairway on the par-5 16th for eagle, pulling to within one with two holes to play.
On the par-4 17th, Berger made bogey while Bhatia birdied — the two arrived at the 18th hole tied at 15 under.
Berger was going for a wire-to-wire win and to snap a five-year drought, but fell in the playoff after a devastating three-putt from across the green on 18. Bhatia made par on the first playoff hole to seal the win.
Final Leaderboard — Arnold Palmer Invitational 2026
Here is the final leaderboard from Bay Hill: Akshay Bhatia wins in playoff. Daniel Berger finishes runner-up. Tied for third: Ludvig Åberg and Cameron Young at 12 under, each earning $1,200,000.
Collin Morikawa dropped to 10 under after a bogey on the par-4 10th, finishing fifth. Sepp Straka, who entered the final round four back, was also in the top five.
Jordan Spieth's Memorable Moment at Bay Hill
Jordan Spieth could not find his ball in the rough on the par-5 12th hole Saturday, and nearby fans helped him search for and eventually locate it — one of the more charming moments of the week.
Spieth finished tied for 13th at 5 under par, nine shots off the leader entering the final round. He showed flashes of his Bay Hill brilliance but could not string together the consistent iron play needed to contend at the top.
Where Is the Arnold Palmer Invitational Played?
The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard is played annually at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida — the beloved course that Arnold Palmer called home for decades. The layout is famous for its demanding finishing stretch beginning at the par-5 16th.
Rory McIlroy Withdraws — Players Championship Now in Question
Rory McIlroy withdrew prior to his third-round tee time at the Arnold Palmer Invitational after muscle spasms developed in his lower back during a morning gym session. McIlroy was on-site and attempted to warm up on the range before making the call. The question now is whether he will be fit to defend THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass beginning Thursday, March 12.
THE PLAYERS Championship Is Next
The PGA Tour heads to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, for THE PLAYERS Championship — the tour's flagship event — beginning Thursday, March 12. Bhatia enters riding the momentum of his first signature event win of the season at Bay Hill.
