Wins Valero Texas Open in playoff Bhatia fired a final round five-under 67 to claim the victory at the Valero Texas Open on the first playoff hole over Denny McCarthy. Impact Bhatia held a four-shot lead heading into the final round but had to fend off a charging McCarthy, who birdied eight of the final nine-holes to force Bhatia to make an 11-foot birdie putt on the closing hole just to get into a playoff. On the first playoff hole, McCarthy hit his approach into the water and Bhatia answered with a precise wedge and a short make for birdie and the win. He had an excellent week with his ball striking, leading the field in SG: Approach and also ranked sixth off the tee. The victory earns Bhatia his first appearance at the Masters.
APRIL 7 • ROTOWIRE