By Rahul Banerji
Arjun Atwal and Lucas Herbert missed the cut at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the only FedEx Cup event to feature a two-player team format, by one shot on Friday.
It was the 49-year-old Indian’s first start on the PGA Tour start in six months and the Indo-Aussie pairing had a two-day total of 7-under 137, a shot below the cut line.
Early leaders Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele continued to set the pace at the TPC Louisiana and led the field by four shots on 29-under 187 after three days.
Atwal and Herbert had signed for an opening 65 and tied 28th place but a level-par 72 scuppered their chances of advancing in a format that has the top 30 teams and ties going into the final two rounds.
Cantlay and Schauffele opened with a 13-under 59, setting a new tournament record since the event switched to team format five years ago and have since added rounds of 68 and 60.
They lead South Africans Garrick Higgo and Branden Grace (64-65-63, 192) by five shots in the $8.3 million event that saw 80 pairs take the starting gun on Thursday.
New innings
As India’s lone winner to date on the PGA Tour, at the 2010 Wyndham Championship, Atwal is preparing for the PGA Tour Champions (over-50 circuit).
The chance to play alongside Herbert, currently 46th in the world, was too enticing for him to pass over.
“I’ve been practicing and working out,” said Atwal, who now lives in Orlando.
“Lucas is a member at Isleworth too, and I’ve gotten to know him pretty well. And since I haven’t played in a while, I thought it would be nice to play my way back in a team format with a young stud like him … he’s a really, really good player.”
While Atwal has kept himself fit in preparation for life in his 50s, he has continued to keep close tabs on compatriot, Anirban Lahiri who is currently the only Indian with a full playing card on the PGA Tour.
Atwal is also supporting his son, Krishen’s dream of trying to make it onto the NBA. The elder of his two boys will complete his post-grad year at South Kent School in Connecticut.
“I’m looking forward to turning 50. I’ll get enough starts out there on PGA Tour Champions to do what I need to do,” said Atwal, who hits the half-century mark next March.
“Right now, we’re supporting Krishen’s dreams and goals as parents. He has set his path for himself, his work ethic is awe-inspiring for even me! He’s going to be great in basketball.
“It was also really good for Anirban to have his best finish at the Players Championship recently. Congratulations to him on his biggest achievement!”
Also read: Ironman Im in Augusta mix as Scheffler, Smith do battle at the top
Discover more from Tee Time Tales
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.