17-year-old Akshay Bhatia to make pro debut at Safeway Open

Get familiar with the name Akshay Bhatia.

The 17-year-old will make his professional debut on the PGA Tour after accepting a sponsor's invite into September's Safeway Open, the tournament announced on Thursday.

Bhatia is currently the No. 4-ranked amateur in the world and No. 1-ranked junior. On Wednesday, he became the youngest player ever to be picked to the United States Walker Cup team, the amateur version of the Ryder Cup.

"I’m very excited to make the Safeway Open my first event as a professional on the PGA Tour," Bhatia said. "This is what I have been working toward for a long time. I am very thankful that Safeway and the tournament committee have given me this exciting opportunity."

The phenom will skip collegiate golf to pursue a career as a pro before his 18th birthday.

While the Safeway Open will be his first professional start, he made his debut on the PGA Tour at this year's Valspar Championship as an amateur. He shot 74-72 to miss the cut.

Bhatia is coached by George Gankas, who also teaches 20-year-old Matthew Wolff, a recent PGA Tour winner.

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo also accepted an invite to the event.

The Safeway Open begins on Sept. 26 in Napa, California.