Arjun Atwal scripted history on 22.08.2010 by becoming the first Indian golfer to clinch a U.S. PGA Tour title as he lifted the Wyndham Championship trophy in Greensboro, North Carolina regaining his playing card on the elite tour within weeks of losing it to poor form in a remarkable turnaround of fortune.
The 37-year-old Atwal finished at 20-under-par 260 to beat American David Toms (64) by one stroke. Atwal also became the first Monday qualifier to win the ensuing tournament in 24 years, following Fred Wadsworth at the 1986 Southern Open.
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 22.08.2010.
Atwal has enjoyed victories on the European, Asian and Nationwide tours but not until now on the PGA Tour. But more importantly, the victory at Sedgefield Country Club earned him his status on the PGA Tour for the remainder of 2010 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.
In a steady performance, Atwal picked up strokes on the third and fourth holes to be two-under at the turn.
Three years ago, Atwal was involved in a fatal car crash in Orlando that killed a Florida man. Witnesses told police that Atwal, who was driving a BMW sedan, and the other driver were street racing — a charge that Atwal denies.
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.
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