Akshay Bhatia’s Newlywed Spotlight Meets Sunday Arnold Palmer Invitational Push
Updated Sunday at 9: 00 a. m. ET, akshay bhatia and wife Presleigh Shultz are in the spotlight for two reasons: a fresh round of newlywed details from their December wedding and Bhatia’s one-shot chase at the Arnold Palmer Invitational as play resumes after a Saturday suspension for darkness.
The timing matters because the third round concluded Sunday morning after the delay, with Bhatia closing strong and entering the final round one behind leader Daniel Berger. At the same time, the couple’s recent February magazine feature surfaced new specifics from their ceremony, creating a rare overlap between a public personal milestone and a live tournament push.
Arnold Palmer Invitational Standings After Darkness Delay
Play halted on Saturday because of darkness and finished Sunday, tightening the leaderboard. Bhatia birdied the 18th to cap a four-under 68 in the third round, trimming Berger’s edge after the leader posted a 72. The result: Daniel Berger at 13 under par and Akshay Bhatia at 12 under par entering the final round—one stroke separating the two.
The competitive picture also shifted when Rory McIlroy, identified as a five-time major winner from Northern Ireland, withdrew with muscle spasms in his lower back. McIlroy’s exit removed a top contender and clarified the chase as Bhatia positioned himself directly behind Berger with 18 holes to play.
Akshay Bhatia and Presleigh Shultz Detail a Golf-Tinged Wedding
In recent weeks, the newlyweds shared more of their December celebration, most notably in a February cover feature that highlighted personal touches. Presleigh Shultz described being overwhelmed with “emotion excitement, nerves, joy, and anticipation all at once, ” adding that when she reached the end of the aisle and stood face to face with Akshay, “everything else melted away. ”
The couple blended elegance and the sport that defines their life together, even heading out for a late-night tee time after the ceremony. Shultz has underscored her support on social media—her bio reads, “Somewhere watching Akshay golf”—while akshay bhatia continues to compete at a high level on tour.
Style carried meaning, too. Bhatia worked with Elevee on a custom black-and-white tuxedo whose jacket lining concealed a collage of photos he revealed on the wedding day. He completed the look with black Christian Louboutin dress shoes and a Daytona Rolex purchased after qualifying for the Tour Championship last season—keepsakes that tied the moment to on-course achievements.
Bahamas Choice Traces Back to January 2022 Breakthrough
The Bahamas setting wasn’t incidental. In January 2022, Bhatia earned a breakthrough victory at The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic at Sandals Emerald Bay on the Korn Ferry Tour, with Shultz there to support him. That shared memory made the islands a meaningful place to exchange vows, reinforcing how their personal milestones often intersect with his professional trajectory.
As the final round unfolds Sunday, Bhatia starts one back of Berger with momentum from a closing birdie on the 18th in round three. If he sustains that finish, the leaderboard could pivot late in the day as the Arnold Palmer Invitational heads to its conclusion.
