At just 17 years old, Akshay Bhatia turned pro, skipping college and entering a world he barely knew. It could’ve been overwhelming — but Phil Mickelson stepped in to guide him. Known for mentoring young talent during practice rounds, Mickelson took Bhatia “under his swing,” helping him with everything from chipping to course management. He even called him a “brilliant talent” and predicted a long, successful career for the young golfer.
Now, five years later, Bhatia is back at Augusta National for his second Masters appearance. But this time, Mickelson isn’t by his side. After the Par 3 Contest on Wednesday, Bhatia revealed that he hadn’t talked to Mickelson that week, although he had planned to call him for advice. Mickelson, meanwhile, had been seen playing a nine-hole practice round with other pros like Dustin Johnson and Michael Kim — likely keeping busy in his own prep.
Despite the absence, Bhatia remains appreciative of everything Mickelson has done for him. Their bond goes back years — they played many practice rounds together when Bhatia received early sponsor exemptions on the PGA Tour. He described Mickelson as a big brother and one of his first true mentors in professional golf.
Their mentorship has included some memorable moments, like in 2021 when Mickelson made a clever bet with Bhatia during a practice round and then showed off a near-albatross shot. These experiences taught Bhatia how to think like a pro, both strategically and mentally.
Mickelson’s impact didn’t stop at swing tips. He even shared his legendary Masters notebook with Bhatia — filled with notes dating back to 2003. That gesture left a lasting impression on the young golfer, who was amazed by the depth of knowledge and preparation Mickelson carried.
Phil once shared a story about flying with 17-year-old Bhatia to his first pro tournament. During the flight, they talked about the future — about life, growth, and choosing between college or going pro. That conversation reflected the kind of thoughtful mentorship Mickelson offered.
Now at 23, Bhatia is proving he made the right call. While Mickelson focuses on his own game at this year’s Masters, the question remains: Can Bhatia shine on his own, or does he still need the “Lefty” touch to truly rise? Either way, the foundation Mickelson helped build looks stronger than ever.