Daniel Berger’s advantage reduced to one stroke over Akshay Bhatia at Bay Hill
ORLANDO, Fla. — Akshay Bhatia patiently awaited the final movement of his putt before it fell for birdie Sunday morning, narrowing Daniel Berger’s advantage to one stroke in the rain-delayed Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.
They needed to finish two complete holes to wrap up the third round, which had been interrupted by darkness due to a rain delay. Berger made a two-putt from 35 feet for birdie on the par-5 16th, extending his lead to three strokes.
However, on the 18th hole, Berger’s tee shot veered into the rough, necessitating a layup. He then struck a wedge to 10 feet but missed the par putt, finishing with an even-par 72.
Bhatia’s birdie attempt lingered on the lip of the cup. He observed it closely, approached the hole for a final glance, and watched it drop for a 68.
Berger stood at 13-under 203, and they were set to be in the final pairing Sunday afternoon.
Cameron Young, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka trailed by four shots, creating a final round filled with potential outcomes. The greens at Bay Hill are generally the firmest and fastest during the Florida swing. Five of the last six tournaments at Bay Hill have been decided by a single stroke.
