Golfer dislocates shoulder before playoff win

Akshay Bhatia, a young American professional golfer, experienced an unexpected setback during the final round of the 2023 Texas Open. The tournament, held at the TPC San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas, was the 13th event of the 2023 PGA TOUR season.

Bhatia, who was 22 years old at the time, had been having an impressive performance throughout the tournament. He entered the final round tied for the lead with two other players, Scottie Scheffler and Max Homa. The trio was locked in a tight battle for the title, with the pressure mounting as they approached the final holes.

On the par-5 16th hole, Bhatia made an impressive birdie putt that moved him into a one-shot lead. Overwhelmed with excitement, Bhatia leaped into the air to celebrate, but as he came down, he landed awkwardly and dislocated his left shoulder. The sudden injury left him visibly shaken and in pain, but he managed to compose himself and finish the hole with a par.

Despite the injury, Bhatia decided to continue playing in the tournament. He finished the round with a 1-under-par 71 and went into the clubhouse to await the results of the other players. Scheffler and Homa both struggled on the final holes, with Scheffler carding a double bogey on the 18th hole to fall back and Homa finishing with a par.

With the other contenders faltering, Bhatia's lead held, and he was declared the winner of the Texas Open. The victory was a significant one for the young golfer, as it was his first PGA TOUR title and came just two years after turning professional.

Bhatia was taken to a local hospital for treatment on his dislocated shoulder. The injury required surgery and forced him to miss several weeks of competition, but he remained optimistic about his recovery and looked forward to returning to the course as soon as possible.

The incident served as a reminder of the high-stakes nature of professional golf and the importance of maintaining composure and focus, even in the face of adversity. Despite the unexpected setback, Bhatia's determination and resilience ultimately paid off, earning him his first PGA TOUR victory.