Monday, August 23, 2010

Atwal becomes first Indian to win on PGA Tour

Greensboro: Arjun Atwal became the first Indian and just the sixth Asian-born player to win on the PGA Tour when he secured a one-stroke victory at the Wyndham Championship on Sunday.
Atwal joined Japanese trio Isao Aoki, Shigeki Maruyama and Ryuji Imada and South Koreans KJ Choi and Y.E. Yang in an elite but growing club of champions from world's most populous continent.
The 37-year-old, who now lives in Florida, sank a pressure-packed seven-foot par putt at the final hole to edge American David Toms at Sedgefield.
His final round of 67 left him on 20-under 260, ignited by an opening day 61. Toms closed with a 64.

"It was a long-time dream of mine to win out here but until it happens you keep doubting yourself and, believe me, I had my doubts teeing up today, even with a three-shot lead," Atwal, who took up golf at the age of 14 in Kolkata, told reporters.
"Until you do it, you don't know. My swing wasn't feeling all that great today. It was a little tight (but) I just grinded it out and got it done somehow."
Atwal believes his victory will resonate in his homeland.

No comments:

Post a Comment