Akshay Bhatia Leads at Pebble Beach Pro-Am Amid Weather Challenges
News Summary
As the final round of the 2026 Pebble Beach Pro-Am approaches, Akshay Bhatia holds a slim two-stroke lead against competition like Collin Morikawa and Jake Knapp. Challenging weather with rain and strong winds poses a risk to his lead. Players like Hideki Matsuyama and Scottie Scheffler also impress, making for an unpredictable final day. The stakes are high with a total purse of $20 million at play.
Akshay Bhatia Takes the Lead at Pebble Beach Pro-Am as Weather Challenges Loom
What a thrilling weekend we have ahead at the 2026 Pebble Beach Pro-Am! As we gear up for the final round on February 15, the buzz around the tournament has centered on one standout player: Akshay Bhatia. This talented 24-year-old from Los Angeles has managed to snag a two-stroke lead, edging out the competition under some pretty challenging weather conditions.
Who’s Hot on His Trail?
Bhatia finds himself in good company, with notable players like Collin Morikawa, Jake Knapp, Sepp Straka, and Jacob Bridgeman hot on his heels. Morikawa made waves during the third round with an impressive 10-under par score, showing he’s not to be underestimated. Knapp joined the leaderboard excitement by matching Morikawa’s score, thanks to a jaw-dropping eagle on the 18th hole.
The Weather Woes
As the players head into the final day, they will face the whims of nature. With forecasts predicting rain throughout the day and powerful wind gusts exceeding 30 mph, Bhatia’s performance may see some twists and turns, especially after a few bogeys on the back nine in earlier rounds. Surviving the elements is part of the game, and for Akshay, navigating these challenging conditions could mean the difference between winning and losing.
The unpredictable weather could also provide opportunities for some other players who are keen to move up the leaderboard. Keep an eye out for Hideki Matsuyama, Min Woo Lee, Maverick McNealy, and Ben Griffin as they could capitalize on any slip-ups by the leaders.
What to Expect on Sunday
The final round kicks off bright and early on Sunday at 1 p.m.. Golf enthusiasts can catch the excitement live on the Golf Channel, transitioning to CBS from 3 p.m. for the closing moments. Don’t forget, if you want a front-row seat to featured groups and hole streaming, the ESPN app will have all the action starting at 11 a.m. with a subscription to their Select plan.
Notable Tee Times
Mark your calendars! Some hot groups heading out include:
- 10:22 a.m.: Justin Rose, Pierceson Coody, Rory McIlroy
- 10:33 a.m.: Tony Finau, Russell Henley, Sami Valimaki
- 12:45 p.m.: Akshay Bhatia, Collin Morikawa, Sepp Straka
Weather Forecast for the Final Round
As mentioned, AccuWeather predicts a high of 60 degrees with plenty of clouds looming. The chance of rain sits at a staggering 90%. This could mean a wet and wild showdown on the greens.
Top Performers So Far
Another player to keep an eye on is Scottie Scheffler, who is looking to extend his streak of top-10 finishes. He has been playing so consistently that even when he feels frustrated, he still manages to keep it together on the course. Currently at 11 under through 54 holes, Scheffler fired a bogey-free 5-under 67 in his recent round, proving he’s not just in it for the fun.
Defending champion Ludvig Aberg started Sunday strong with an eagle on hole No. 10, putting him at 8 under overall. He’s aiming to pull off an impressive title defense against an evolving roster of challengers.
A Grand Prize Awaits
All this excitement is set against a backdrop of impressive stakes. The total purse for this year’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am is a whopping $20 million, with the winner walking away with $3.6 million—that’s 18% of the total purse!
As we look beyond this event, golf fans will want to mark their calendars for some exciting upcoming tournaments, including the Genesis Invitational and the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Final Thoughts
The stage is set for an unforgettable final round at Pebble Beach. The atmosphere is electric, and no one is quite sure what the weather will do next. Will Bhatia hold onto his lead, or will Morikawa and Knapp make a last-minute charge? Stay tuned as this wild ride continues!
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