Arjun Atwal becomes first Indian to win US PGA Tour title at Wyndham Championship
By ANIMonday, August 23, 2010
LONDON - Ace golfer Arjun Atwal has created history by becoming the first Indian to clinch a US PGA Tour title with a one-stroke victory at North Carolina’s Wyndham Championship.
The 37-year-old golfer from Calcutta, who started the final round with a three-stroke lead, returned a steady three-under 67 to clinch the title by a stroke with a total of 20-under 260.
On Monday, he became the first qualifier to earn a victory in 24 years. He defeated David Toms by a stroke.
He parred the final hole for a round of 67 and a 20-under-par total as he avoided a play-off with nearest rival David Toms.
“That was huge, I was really nervous over that last putt. My heart rate was probably 150,” BBC Sports quoted Atwal, as saying.
His advantage was gradually eroded, and, at one stage, he shared the lead with six other players.
Atwal, though, birdied the 16th to regain the lead, and as he teed off at the 18th, Toms, who had birdied three of his last four holes for a 64, was alone in second and hoping for a slip-up.
The Indian has got the 918,000 dollars top prize and a two-year Tour exemption.
“I’m pretty sure it’s going to be huge back home,” Atwal added. (ANI)
