The Hero World Challenge Is Giving Us a Closer Look at Two New Rising Stars in Golf
If you were one of the many people whose weekend plans were thrown off by winter weather, you still might have enjoyed the perfectly festive timing. As the season shifts from Thanksgiving toward Hanukkah and Christmas, something is fitting about a few inches of snow arriving and actually sticking. The same early-holiday atmosphere extends into this week’s Hero World Challenge. There’s a certain comfort in settling into a cozy home, holiday lights glowing, while watching live sports in HD. It’s practically a December tradition. There’s something strangely satisfying about watching golf in The Bahamas while the rumble of a snowplow echoes outside, a reminder that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. 20 PGA TOUR players will be feeling a similar sense of contentment, though from the opposite side of the screen, as they tee up at Albany on New Providence Island.
Akshay Bhatia is an American professional golfer and one of the brightest young talents on the PGA TOUR. Born in 2002, he bypassed college and turned pro at 17 after a decorated junior career that included multiple AJGA wins, back-to-back Junior PGA Championships, and appearances on elite U.S. amateur teams, including the Junior Ryder Cup and Walker Cup. After early challenges adjusting to the professional ranks, Bhatia broke through with a Korn Ferry Tour win in 2022 and soon after earned his first PGA TOUR title at the 2023 Barracuda Championship. He elevated his profile further with a playoff victory at the 2024 Valero Texas Open, which also secured his first Masters appearance. He is known for his smooth left-handed swing, distance, and fearlessness under pressure. Bhatia has quickly become one of golf’s rising stars, climbing the world rankings and establishing himself as a player poised for sustained success.
Chris Gotterup is known for his power game and rapid rise through the pro ranks. His breakthrough came with his first PGA Tour win at the 2024 Myrtle Beach Classic, followed by a breakthrough in 2025 when he captured the Genesis Scottish Open and then finished a remarkable solo third at the 2025 The Open Championship in his major debut. Gotterup has quickly transformed from a promising newcomer into one of golf’s rising stars. We hope to see these two stars shine from Thursday, December 4th, to Sunday, December 7th.
