Golf: Akshay Bhatia Ties For 28th As Russell Henley Wins Charles Schwab Challenge 2026

Russell Henley claimed the Charles Schwab Challenge title after a sudden-death playoff at Colonial Country Club. Henley and Eric Cole ended 72 holes level on 12-under-par. Henley then won with a birdie on the first playoff hole. The victory delivered Henley’s sixth PGA Tour title after a late surge.

Akshay Bhatia closed with a 3-over 73 and slipped to tied-28th at 4-under-par. The Indian-American golfer had been inside the top 20 after three rounds. Bhatia recorded rounds of 67, 65, 71 and 73. Brandt Snedeker, Keita Nakajima and Doug Ghim shared 28th place.

Henley’s round swung sharply despite an early eagle and birdie. Four bogeys on the front nine left Henley behind the pace. The response came after the turn with birdies at the 11th. Three straight birdies from the 16th through 18th forced the playoff with Cole.

In the playoff, Henley kept the pressure on and made birdie at the first extra hole. Cole, chasing a first PGA Tour win, signed for an even-par 70. Cole opened with birdies on the first two holes. Three bogeys followed, before a birdie at the 11th kept Cole in contention.

Bhatia began Sunday with a birdie at the first, then dropped shots at two and three. A birdie at the ninth brought the card back to level at the turn. Bogeys at the 11th and 13th increased the damage. Another bogey at the 18th completed the 73 and a 4-under total.

Sahith Theegala also faded late, finishing tied-60th at 1-over-par. Theegala’s final-round 73 included two birdies, three bogeys, and a double bogey. Theegala’s four scores were 67, 70, 71 and 73. The week ended with Henley lifting the trophy, while Bhatia and Theegala settled for mid-pack finishes.