As Akshay Bhatia heads into the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands, he does so with a quiet confidence and the kind of perspective that only comes from learning under fire.
At just 23, Bhatia has already competed in major final groups, battled through mental ebbs, and carved out a place for himself on the PGA Tour.
We caught up with Bhatia ahead of this week’s event to discuss his reflections from the U.S. Open, what makes the Travelers unique, and how he stays grounded in a high-pressure sport.
1. Processing the U.S. Open: “It’s been very, very tough.”
Coming off a demanding U.S. Open at Oakmont, where he missed the cut after two rounds, Bhatia was honest about where his game stands–and where he wants it to go.
“The last couple months have been very, very tough,” Bhatia said. “I feel like I’ve played a lot of good golf, and then have had one bad round or a stretch of bad holes.”
While many players might carry frustration into the next week, Bhatia is using the experience as a reset button.
“I just kind of look forward to resetting and knowing that there is plenty of golf left for the rest of the year to push the things I want to.”
He also noted a contrast in tournament environments.
“I’m looking forward to this week. It’s a less stressful environment than last week. So that’s a nice thing as well.”
2. What Makes TPC River Highlands Special?
TPC River Highlands, with its blend of iconic finishing holes and strategic variety, clearly resonates with Bhatia.
“It has a lot of unique holes. You have a drivable par 4 which is a really nice finish on the 15th hole… it’s more of a classical golf course with the tree line,” he said. “You know, when you think of the Travelers Championship, you just think of all the iconic shots that have been hit–especially on 18.”
Statistically, Bhatia sees this course as one that rewards his strengths.
“I think my iron play has been really, really good, and going into this week it’s nice to have that strength.”
3. How This Year Feels Different from Last Year’s Top-5 Finish
GettyAkshay Bhatia of the United States plays his shot from the ninth tee during the final round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 23, 2024.
In 2024, Bhatia delivered a breakout performance at TPC River Highlands, posting rounds of 64‑65‑64‑69 to finish at ‑18 and tied for fifth. The 262 total not only earned him a career-best at the Travelers, but also proved that he can contend under pressure.
This time around, Bhatia comes in with a different mindset—less about riding momentum, more about trying to create it.
“This year, I’m looking to start and have some momentum for the rest of the season. Last year I was going into this event with some momentum. It’s definitely a different outlook, but I think this is a great event.
“Even if my preparation doesn’t feel as good as it needs to be, I’m hoping to flip the switch this week.”
4. How He Decompresses: Golden Doodles, His Fiancé, and Homey Vibes
Asked about how he balances the grind of Tour life, Bhatia was excited talking about his three golden doodles involved with his off-course routine.
“Yeah, my fiancé and I, and our dogs, just hanging out. Hopefully we have a show to watch while relaxing. It’s nice. Especially when we’re on the road, we’ll stay in houses and bring the dogs. It has just a little bit less of a business feel and more of a homey feel.
He says that no matter how the day goes on the course, the dogs are a guaranteed mood-lifter.
“[After rounds] at least we’re going home to–no matter what–dogs that are always happy. And it’s a nice kind of decompression for me.”
In addition to bringing a sense of familiarity, his fiancé, Presleigh Schultz, has been a steadfast presence. Bhatia has publicly expressed how much her supportive role means:
“For her to support me every week and walk 72 holes, I couldn’t imagine my life without her and being on this journey without her. She has done a lot for me.
“She makes my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every morning. She has seen me cry in the hotel room and seen me super happy. For her to see me here, she always keep telling me how good I am, even if I question myself sometimes.”
The two are expected to get married later this year.
5. On Competing with the Game’s Best–And Trusting His Path
GettyScottie Scheffler of the United States (L) and Akshay Bhatia of the United States shake hands on the 18th green after finishing their round during the third round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on May 31.
As one of the youngest players in the field, Bhatia often finds himself competing against today’s veteran stars–players who may only be a few years older but carry major wins and deep Tour experience. That gap in experience might weigh on others, but for Bhatia, a piece of advice from his agent helped reframe his perspective.
“My agent, who’s been around for a long, long time and has a lot of wisdom, knows I want to compete against guys with more experience—guys who’ve won majors and are 7, 8, even 9 years older than me. But he always says, ‘as long as you’re able to beat your peers, you’re on the right track.’
“If I’m not winning a major championship or a signature event right now, just know–I’m ahead of where I should be in this game.”
That message has helped Bhatia find peace within the pressure, even if it’s still a work in progress.
“Sometimes it’s harder than it seems,” he admitted. “But it’s something I’ve always tried to appreciate.”
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