The Battle at Arnie’s Place
Story and Photos by Beverly and Greg Wise (Golf the Wise Way)
The 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Bay Hill Resort and Lodge ended with something that hadn’t been accomplished in 22 years of Mastercard sponsoring the tournament.
It came down to a sudden death playoff after 72-holes.
To get there Akshay Bhatia had to overcome a 2-stroke deficit with 3 holes to go. His second shot at 16 was within eagle range. Draining the eagle… put the pressure on Berger to make his birdie to stay one ahead.
Playing the 17th hole, Bhatia was 15-feet from making a birdie to tie Berger and just missed the edge of the cup and taped in for par. Berger had a short 3-footer to remain one stroke ahead of Bhatia, but missed the 3 footer to the right side of the cup… to put them on the tee at 18 all square.
Now it came down to a shoot-out on the 18th hole.
Tied after 72-holes…
Berger missed his par putt on the first playoff hole opening the door for Bhatia to make his 3-footer for his par and to become the 27th Champion of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Arnie’s home course Bay Hill.
Beverly and Greg Wise
Beverly Wise and Greg Wise have been traveling the world, playing and writing about their golf experiences as “Golf the Wise Way,” and submitting to numerous publications as well as publishing in Ignite Golf Network.
Greg has played golf for more than 60 years and truly believes that “a picture is worth a thousand words…” so, Beverly and Greg both excel in getting the right photos to enhance their stories.
