Arjun Atwal scripted history by becoming the first Indian golfer to clinch a U.S. PGA Tour title as he lifted the Wyndham Championship trophy here, regaining his playing card on the elite tour within weeks of losing it to poor form in a remarkable turnaround of fortune.
Atwal, who had a three-shot lead going into the final round, returned a steady three-under 67 to clinch the title by a stroke with a total of 20-under 260. The Indian took home $918,000 for his effort on Sunday.
But more importantly, the victory at Sedgefield Country Club earned him his status on the PGA Tour for the remainder of this year and the next two years as well.
American David Toms fired a six-under 64 to take the second spot at 19-under on the leaderboard.
The Orlando-based Atwal also became the first Monday-qualifier to win on the PGA Tour in 24 years. Fred Wadsworth was the last to achieve such a feat at the 1986 Southern Open.
“I don’t know if it has sunk in yet, seriously. Obviously it was a long-time dream but until it happens you just keep doubting yourself. I had my doubts despite a three-shot lead.
I am so glad, I was very nervous, the most nervous I have been in all my life,” the 37-year-old pro, who has titles on the Asian, European and the Nationwide Tour under his belt, said after the nervy final round.
“My swing wasn’t feeling great but I just grinded it out and got it done somehow,” a cheerful Atwal said.
In a steady performance, Atwal picked up strokes on the third and fourth holes to be two-under at the turn.
On his way back, he added another two birdies on the 14th and 16th but a bogey on the 12th prevented him from going 21-under, something that his friend and practice partner Tiger Woods had asked him to aim for the night before the final round in a text message.
“My goal was to get it to 21-under today. I came up one short. Actually that’s the number my friend Tiger Woods also told me to get to last night,” he said.
“It’s all text, we never talk. He’s busy I guess,” Atwal quipped.
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