⛳️ What a finish!

For much of Sunday, heck for much of the week, Akshay Bhatia looked like he was going to run away with the Valero Texas Open.

But a back nine 28 (!!) from Denny McCarthy, that included seven birdies on his final seven holes, forced a playoff with Bhatia (who had to make an 11.5 footer himself at the last to stay alive).

In the end, McCarthy dunked a ball into the water and Bhatia (having partially dislocated his shoulder after his celebration on 18) sealed the victory on the first playoff hole with a 6-foot birdie.

The 22-year-old Bhatia now has two wins on the PGA Tour, and importantly, earned a spot in next week’s Masters.

That’s where the story ended on Sunday, and where I think I’ll leave things for now with the Quick Nine as well. 

Wait, what?

Yes, I know. It’s terrible timing (Masters week is officially upon us!) and it’s hard to imagine not writing this newsletter anymore. But life has a funny way of working itself out.

I recently started another job that’s going to require my much of my attention. And, with two young kids at home, life is already a bit of a blur.

I do hope to come back to writing the Quick Nine in the future. So, I’d love for you to stay subscribed (I won’t spam you in the meantime, I promise).

Also, with the Masters this week, I wanted to make sure you were in good hands.

For newsletters: If you aren’t already subscribed to The Fried Egg, you should. They bring you golf news and insights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

And, if you’re a true golf fanatic, I’d also follow Kyle Porter’s Normal Sport newsletter. It’s full of good thoughts and ridiculous happenings that this game offers on a weekly daily basis.

For podcasts: I’d listen to CBS’ The First Cut to stay in the loop on golf news. The Shotgun Start is good as well (and Rory approved, as we learned in Full Swing).

Alright. It’s totally bittersweet to say goodbye, but thanks so much to all of you who followed along over these past six-plus months. I loved writing this newsletter, and I hope it brought you some joy as well.

All the best and hope to talk again soon,

Nick B. ✌️