The 21-year-old earned special temporary membership on the PGA Tour.

Indian-origin American golfer Akshay Bhatia closed with a 65 to finish runner-up in the Puerto Rico Open, earning special temporary membership on the PGA Tour.

He got unlimited sponsor exemptions for the rest of the season.

Welcome to the PGA TOUR, @AkshayBhatia_1 ?

Bhatia was emotional during his interview after securing Special Temporary Membership @PuertoRicoOpen #TOURBound pic.twitter.com/mjo7QbuJao

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 5, 2023

Notably, Colombian rookie Nico Echavarria closed with a 4-under 68 for a two-shot victory in the Puerto Rico Open for his first PGA Tour title.

Akshay Bhatia's statement

Bhatia said: "I can’t believe I’m crying. It means a lot. Worked really hard; it’s been a crazy journey, for sure. Last year was really disappointing; I got hurt and didn’t get my card through the Korn Ferry Tour. It’s crazy. I have so many people to thank … it’s a crazy day. Didn’t even know I shot 7 under. Chipped in three times on the same hole through this week."

"This is a great story, and I want to write a book about my life and my journey. It’s definitely going to be a really good chapter, for sure,” he added.

Bhatia further spoke about achieving the special temporary membership. He said: "It’s going to be a lot of emotion. I know my dad’s going to really cry, which I’ve only seen him do one time. My goal this whole year was to finish No. 1 on the Korn Ferry Tour (standings), play that way, get my card that way. But you know, just a different path. I’ve been in this position before, and it really makes me happy that I’ve handled it so much better and learned from all the experiences I’ve had. I mean, how can you not be happy being on the PGA TOUR?”