Sports Bharti

Atwal scripts golfing history

Arjun Atwal

Golfer Arjun Atwal scripted a new chapter in the Indian Golf history by becoming first ever Indian to clinch a USPGA Tour title, when he lifted Wyndham Championship Trophy at Greenboro, USA on August 23, 2010. He played marvelous Golf through out the four days and finished the course at 20-under 260 to garner one point lead over David Toms, who completed the course at 19-under 261. Atwal won a purse of $918,000 as a prize money for his fantastic win.

Atwal, who gained a place in the tournament through a qualifying round, also earned playing-rights on the USPGA Tour for the next two years and a place in the next year's Masters Tournament. Atwal also

became the first golfer in the last 24 years to win this tournament as a qualifier. Atwal finished 6th in this tournament in 2004.

The 37-year old Atwal opened the tournament with 9-under 61 on the first day and took three points lead over his nearest rivals. On the second day he consolidated his position with a fine round of 67 and on the next day he managed to remain at first position with 5-under 65. The final day was crucial but Atwal was determined to make it a historical day for Indian Golf. And he did it. He shot 3-under 67 and clinched the title with a solitary point. David Toms finished second while 4 other golfers were tying for third place. They were John Mallinger, Michael Sim, John Rollins and Justin Leonard. They all finished with 18-under 262.

Atwal's seven titles at Asian & European PGA Tours

Arjun Atwal has won seven Tour titles on the Asian and European PGA Tours so far in his career. Of these three titles were co-sanctioned on both Asian and European PGA Tours. The details are as below -

1999	Wills Open
2000	Hero Honda Masters
	Star Alliance Open, Hong Kong
2002	Caltex Singapore Open (European Tour)
2003	Carlsberg Malaysian Open (European Tour)
	Hero Honda Masters
2008	Maybank Malaysian Open (European Tour)

Atwal was also the first Indian to win an European Tour title in 2002.

Obviously this was Atwal's best performance on USPGA Tour this year. He has just one under-10 finish when he tied at 7th place in the Byron Nelson chmpionship at Texas in May 2010.

... by Arun Arnaw