GREENSBORO (North Carolina): 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 K.J. Choi and Y.E. Yang in an elite but growing club of champions from world's most populous continent.
The 37-year-old Atwal finished at 20-under-par 260 to beat American David Toms (64) by one stroke.
Satisfying Tiger's wish
In fact his friend, Tiger Woods, had sent a text message on Saturday night suggesting he try to finish on 21-under.
“It feels great. I have no words. I grinded it,” Atwal said.
Atwal also became the first Monday qualifier to win the ensuing tournament in 24 years, following Fred Wadsworth at the 1986 Southern Open.
Atwal has enjoyed victories on the European, Asian and Nationwide tours but not until now on the PGA Tour.
He entered Sunday's round with a three-shot lead and needed a par on the closing hole to seal the deal.
Taking no chances
Atwal wasn't taking any chances on No. 18. He blasted his approach into the spectators' tent, choosing to take a drop in the rough rather than try to place his ball on the green.
He chipped it onto the green then one-putted for the win.
“I was so nervous over that putt,” Atwal said. “I am just glad it went in.”
Rich reward
Atwal, who earned $918,000 for the victory, led or shared the lead after each of the first three rounds.
“I told my caddie, ‘We've got nothing to lose this week. Just go out there and try and win it,'” Atwal said. “Guys are going to be out there trying to secure their FedEx Cup spots or whatever. We've got nothing.
“I don't have a card. I don't have anything. Just go out there and free-wheel it, and that's what I did this week.
"I'm pretty sure it's going to be huge back home," he said. "My in-laws called my wife and said the coverage was just unreal with me leading.
"I know there were a lot of people in India and Dubai that watched me play. I've had a lot of messages."
Toms was on 19-under 201 while John Mallinger and Michael Sim both shot 62s and were joined by John Rollins (65) and Justin Leonard (65) at 202.
Bouncing back
Atwal lost his tour card in July because he was unable to win enough money to retain his medical exemption beyond eight events this season, forcing him into Monday qualifying sessions. Atwal missed much of last year with injuries.
Atwal said his goal this week was to get one step closer to regaining his PGA Tour card for next season. The victory gave him a two-year berth on the PGA Tour. — Agencies
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