Bhatia is a 16-year-old from Wake Forest, N.C., who already padded his resume this year with the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley title and the AJGA’s Polo Golf Junior Classic title (which he won by 10 shots). Thorbjornsen, also 16, is a Wellesley, Mass., native who won the 2016 Drive, Chip and Putt National Final. He also has posted six top-10 finishes in major junior events over the past year.
The duo advanced to Saturday’s 36-hole final after winning two matches on Friday. Bhatia, of Wake Forest, N.C., never trailed on Friday, winning a tight match in the quarterfinals over Alejandro Madariaga, 1 up, before jumping out to a 3-up lead through nine holes over Cole Hammer on his way to winning their semifinal match, 4 and 2.
“I love this golf course. I mean, you have to shape shots, you have to put in the correct spots; you have to make a lot of putts out here,” Bhatia told the USGA. “Every time you beat someone it boosts your confidence, especially someone who has done such great things this year and over the past couple of years.”
Thorbjornsen defeated Joe Highsmith, 4 and 3, in the morning. He would have to work a lot harder in the afternoon, playing from behind for much of his semifinal match with Cameron Sisk before ultimately prevailing in 21 holes.
“That was quite the amazing 21 holes. Cameron and I really didn't let up at one point throughout our match,” said Thorbjornsen. “I mean, just being on TV for one more day, and playing this amazing golf course for 36 more holes, that's amazing. I just can't wait until tomorrow. I'm playing with one of my best friends, Akshay, and it should be a lot of fun.”
Information from the USGA used in this report