Born in Los Angeles, California but considers Wake Forest, North Carolina (roughly 20 miles north of Raleigh) his home, as his parents, Sonny and Renu, moved the family there in 2012.

Older sister, Rhea, started playing golf before him, which sparked Akshay's interest in golf. Rhea played college golf at Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Loves Korean barbecue.

At age 17 at the 2019 Walker Cup, became the first golfer still in high school to represent the United States, as well as the youngest American player in Walker Cup history, usurping Jordan Spieth, who played the 2011 Walker Cup less than two months after his 18th birthday.

Won the 2019 Jones Cup, an amateur tournament whose past champions include Corey Conners (2014), Justin Thomas (2012), and Patrick Reed (2010).

Named the 2018 AJGA Rolex Player of the Year.

Won 10 junior titles and ascended into the top five of the World Amateur Golf Ranking prior to turning professional, with the most notable victories being the 2017 and 2018 Junior PGA Championships; he won the 2017 title in record-setting fashion, posting a 22-under 266 to break Pat Perez's record of 271 from 1993, as well as a 61 in the second round which broke the 18-hole tournament scoring record of 62 previously established by Brad Dalke in 2015.

Chipped in for eagle on the 72nd hole to win the 2018 Junior PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club, which made him the first back-to-back champion in the event's history.

Haul of junior victories also included a win at the 2018 Rolex Tournament of Champions at PGA National Resort.

Won two silver medals for the USA in 2018 at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, one on the mixed team with Li Win, as well as an individual silver.