Akshay Bhatia misses cut, Rai T-32nd at Masters

A closing double bogey in the second round resulted in Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia missing the cut for the first time in three starts at the Masters.

The 24-year-old, a three-time PGA Tour winner, opened with a 73 but endured a dramatic collapse on the back nine of his second round, carding three double bogeys to go eight-over across the last nine holes on Friday.

With a second-round card of 77, Bhatia missed the cut by two shots — the same number of shots he lost on the final hole.

His double bogey at the 18th came after a wayward tee shot into the trees, which effectively sealed his early exit.

In contrast, Indo-British Aaron Rai, winner of the Par-3 contest, progressed to the weekend rounds. Despite three consecutive bogeys from the ninth to the 11th, Rai steadied himself with seven pars to close, signing for a 74. 

Coupled with his opening 71, he sits at one-over, tied 32nd, slipping from his first-round position of 10th.

Bhatia’s exit was surprising as he came into the Masters playing great golf, including a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.