At 21 years old, Bhatia, who turned pro at 17, secured full status on the tour and a place in the FedEx Cup playoffs. Following his runner-up finish at the Puerto Rico Open in March, he had been playing under special temporary membership.
Phil Mickelson had a two-shot lead among early starters, and if his lead held, he would be the oldest player to lead after any round of a major since 59-year-old Tom Watson had the 54-hole lead at Turnberry in the 2009 British Open
The 25-year-old on Sunday closed with a superb 8-under 64 at PGA West Stadium Course which included pivotal birdies on Hole Nos. 16 and 17 from four feet and 19 feet respectively to overhaul Cantlay
The Indian star arrives at the Waialae Country Club in Hawaii after a break at home following a series of decent run of results in the fall, which included his first Top-10 finish on the PGA Tour in nearly two years.