Arjun Atwal is back where it began, and hungry as ever

By Rahul Banerji

Almost exactly 10 years ago, Arjun Atwal became India’s first winner on the PGA Tour. And now he’s back for some more.

Having scripted success on the Asian, and European tours, the trail-blazing golfer went from Monday qualifying to a Sunday victory at the Wyndham Championship in 2010.

It was another marker for Indian golf’s milestone man, and some 25 years after he turned professional, Atwal is preparing for some more twists and turns on his already astonishing journey.

Landmarks in Atwal’s career include being India’s first winner on the European Tour (2002), earning a million on the Asian Tour (2003) and the first to win on the PGA’s feeder circuit (2008), now the Korn Ferry Tour

He is back again in this week’s field for the Wyndham at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, riding on a new year commitment to fitness and three straight cuts in the resumed season.

Three in a row

“Three cuts in a row…not bad for a 47 year old…let’s see if the body holds up on the weekend,” he tweeted at the Barracuda Championship recently and followed up with a tied 53rd finish.

At the 3M Open, Atwal was T53 and tied 45^th more recently at the Barracuda Championship, the PGA Tour noted.

Atwal though says he is more focussed on what lies ahead, rather than sitting back on past glory.

“I don’t think about it (the win),” he said. “It’s so long ago. Once it’s over, it’s over.

“I’m just looking forward to competing, and I got excited to practice again with a purpose when I got into the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

‘Learning curve’

“There’s definitely pride in what I’ve done in my career. Playing on the Asian Tour taught me a lot…

“It’s a matter of pride to be first Indian to win on the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, European Tour … that’s not bad.

“I’ve always dreamt about playing here and this is the dream. Hopefully I can become the first Indian to win on (the) Champions (Tour) as well.

“There may be generations doing much more after me but they can’t take away being the first. It’s pretty cool coming from a country of 1.3 billion people,” the 47-year-old told the PGA Tour.

For all his laidback demeanour, Atwal is still as ambitious as he was at 22 when he joined the pro ranks. While he believes he can still compete at the highest level he keen to win on the senior tour once he is eligible.

“By the time, I’m 50 I’m ready to play Champions. I want to win on this Tour as well. I still have the desire to win as long my body can still perform.

“If those things are there, then I will play. As of right now, I’m feeling great,” says the Asansol-born, Kolkata-bred resident of Windermere, Florida.

The former Asian no. 1 has eight Asian Tour wins that include three European Tour co-sanctioned titles and the Asian Order of Merit crown, but has also endured back and shoulder injuries.

Fitness focus

In his 231 PGA Tour events, Atwal has one win, 11 top-10s and 29 top-25s and earlier this year, decided to pay more attention to his fitness but for which he could well have had more success.

In Detroit last month, he was 15 pounds lighter, back at 185 pounds which is what he weighed on PGA Tour debut in 2004. Healthy food, no booze and time in the gym are showing their effects.

“This year, I made a commitment to get fitter. I wanted to see how fit I could be and also to get rid of the aches and pains.

“I’ve been working out and I feel good … the legs feel stronger and I’ve added swing speed.

“I’m hitting the ball longer than in the last five/six years. I don’t remember how I’ve last felt like this,” said Atwal, who had a 342-year drive at the Rocket Mortgage.

And 10 years down the line since that Wyndham Championship win, who knows what’s around the corner for the Milestone Man.

Also read:  3M done, it’s on to Reno and some Stableford stuff for Atwal