Bhatia and Theegala Surge into Top 3 as Berger Leads
Synopsis
In a thrilling second round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala made significant gains on the leaderboard, while leader Daniel Berger maintains a strong advantage. With two rounds remaining, the competition heats up as players vie for the prestigious title.
Key Takeaways
Akshay Bhatia shot a remarkable 6-under 66 to move to second place.
Daniel Berger leads with a score of 13-under par .
Sahith Theegala scored 5-under 67 , tying for third.
Scottie Scheffler climbed to T-15 with a 1-under 71 .
The competition is heating up as the tournament heads into the weekend.
Orlando (USA), March 7 (NationPress) Akshay Bhatia delivered an outstanding performance, achieving one of the finest rounds of the day to ascend to second place after the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Bhatia registered an impressive 6-under 66, marking the best score of the round, but still trails the leader, Daniel Berger, by five strokes.
Berger began the tournament with a remarkable 9-under 63 and followed it up with a solid 4-under 68, maintaining his lead at 13-under par as the event heads into the weekend.
Sahith Theegala also made a notable advancement in the rankings with a clean 5-under 67, tying for third place at 7-under par. He shares this position with Ludvig Åberg and Collin Morikawa, both of whom finished the round with 1-under 71.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler recorded a 1-under 71, moving up three spots to tie for 15th with an overall score of 3-under par. Rory McIlroy also made a significant jump, shooting 4-under 68 to rise 24 places into the top 10, placing him in a tie for ninth at 4-under after two rounds.
Bhatia’s remarkable round commenced with a birdie on the first hole. He achieved additional birdies on the fifth, sixth, and eighth holes before encountering his only bogey of the day at the ninth. The 22-year-old regained his momentum on the back nine, securing birdies at the 12th, 13th, and 16th holes to finish with a score of 66, reaching 8-under par and positioning himself as a prominent contender.
Theegala also showcased a consistent performance. Beginning on the front nine, he notched birdies at the third, fourth, and sixth holes, followed by two more at the 10th and 16th. His flawless round of 67 elevated him to 7-under par.
Berger maintained his control over the tournament with another solid round. The 32-year-old American started with a birdie and added another on the sixth, before recording his first bogey of the tournament at the seventh. However, he recovered effectively on the back nine, scoring three additional birdies at the 10th, 13th, and 16th holes, preserving a five-shot lead over the competitors.
With two rounds yet to play, Berger is in a dominant position, while Bhatia, Theegala, and others chase the coveted title.
Point of View
The performance of Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala highlights the competitive spirit of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. With Daniel Berger maintaining a solid lead, the next rounds will be crucial for the contenders as they aim for the championship.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the Arnold Palmer Invitational?
Daniel Berger is currently leading the tournament with a score of 13-under par.
What score did Akshay Bhatia achieve in the second round?
Akshay Bhatia achieved a score of 6-under 66 in the second round.
Who are the players tied for third place?
Sahith Theegala, Ludvig Åberg, and Collin Morikawa are tied for third place at 7-under par.
How did Scottie Scheffler perform in the second round?
Scottie Scheffler carded a 1-under 71, moving to T-15 with an overall score of 3-under par.
What is the significance of the Arnold Palmer Invitational?
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is a prestigious golf tournament that attracts top players and offers significant ranking points.
