Akshay Bhatia | What's In The Bag? WITB | The Valspar Championship | PGA Tour

• Driver: Callaway Rogue ST Max 9°, Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X shaft

• 3 Wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max 15°, Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X shaft

• Utility: Callaway Apex UW prototype 19°, Fujikura Ventus Black 10 X shaft

• Irons: Callaway X Forged UT 22°, Callaway Apex TCB Raw (5-PW), KBS $-Taper 125 S+ shafts

• Wedges: Callaway Jaws Raw 50° (10S), 54° (10S), 60° (08C), KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 135 X shafts

• Putter: Odyssey Jailbird 380, SuperStroke Zenergy Split grip

• Ball: Callaway Chrome Tour

• Grip: Iomic

Akshay Bhatia: A Deep Dive into the Golf Bag of a Young Phenom

In the highly competitive arena of professional golf, every player seeks an edge, a combination of skill, mental fortitude, and, crucially, equipment that complements their game. Akshay Bhatia, a young talent making waves on the PGA Tour, showcases a strategic approach to his equipment that reflects his innovative playing style and ambition. This analysis of Bhatia's "What's In The Bag" (WITB) offers insight into the tools of his trade and how they play a pivotal role in his quest for success.

Driver: The Foundation of Distance

Bhatia starts strong off the tee with the Callaway Rogue ST Max 9°, equipped with a Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X shaft. This driver, celebrated for its exceptional combination of distance, forgiveness, and speed, is a cornerstone for Bhatia's game. The choice of the Ventus Black 7 X shaft, known for its low torque and high stiffness, underscores Bhatia's preference for stability and precision at high swing speeds, setting the tone for aggressive play from the outset.

Fairway Wood: Precision and Power

For his 3 wood, Bhatia opts for the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max 15°, paired with a Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X shaft. This club is designed for elite players, offering a perfect balance between power and control, with a slight emphasis on a penetrating ball flight. The Ventus Black shaft series, favored by Bhatia for both driver and 3 wood, indicates a consistent feel and performance expectation from his long clubs.

Utility: Versatile Approach

The utility club in Bhatia's bag is a Callaway Apex UW prototype 19°, fitted with a Fujikura Ventus Black 10 X shaft. This club, a bridge between his woods and irons, showcases Bhatia's tactical versatility on the course. The Apex UW prototype is adept at delivering from a variety of lies, offering the young star the confidence to take on challenging shots, whether they are from the rough, fairway, or tee.

Irons: Precision and Feel

Bhatia's iron setup includes the Callaway X Forged UT 22° and Callaway Apex TCB Raw irons from 5-PW, all shafted with KBS $-Taper 125 S+ shafts. This combination reveals a blend of control, consistency, and feel. The X Forged UT provides a dependable option for long iron shots, while the Apex TCB Raw irons are tailored for tour-level performance, offering Bhatia the precision and feedback needed for his approach game.

Wedges: The Scoring Tools

In the short game, Bhatia wields Callaway Jaws Raw wedges in 50°, 54°, and 60° lofts, equipped with KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 135 X shafts. These wedges, known for their spin control and versatility around the greens, are critical for Bhatia's scoring. The Hi-Rev 2.0 shafts enhance his ability to generate spin, offering the young golfer a wide array of shot options in his arsenal.

Putter: The Closer

The Odyssey Jailbird 380, with a SuperStroke Zenergy Split grip, is Bhatia's choice on the greens. This putter, designed for a high MOI and consistent roll, matches Bhatia's smooth putting stroke. The choice of a SuperStroke Zenergy Split grip further emphasizes his preference for a stable, balanced feel during the putting stroke, aiding in his precision and confidence in holing putts.

Ball and Grip: The Final Touches

Bhatia plays the Callaway Chrome Soft Tour, a ball that combines tour-level performance in distance and feel, suitable for his all-around game. His choice of Iomic grips for his clubs demonstrates a preference for a specific tactile feel and control, ensuring a consistent and comfortable grip in all conditions.

Akshay Bhatia's equipment selection is a testament to his meticulous approach to the game, seeking an optimal blend of technology, performance, and feel. As he continues to develop and compete at the highest levels, his gear will undoubtedly evolve alongside him, supporting his journey and aspirations in the challenging world of professional golf.