Arjun Atwal’s historic victory at the Wyndham Championship in August 2010 marked a significant milestone for Indian golf. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his achievement.
- Tournament: Wyndham Championship (PGA Tour)
- Date: August 19–22, 2010
- Venue: Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
- Winning Score: 20-under 260
- Margin of Victory: 1 stroke
- Prize Money: US $918,000 (The highest ever earned by an Indian golfer at the time)
- Runner-up: David Toms
Arjun Atwal became the first Indian golfer to win a title on the PGA Tour, a monumental achievement for Indian golf.His victory put Indian golf on the global map and inspired aspiring golfers across the country. Atwal entered the Wyndham Championship after coming through the Monday Qualifiers, making his win even more remarkable. He became the first player in 24 years to win a PGA Tour event after qualifying on Monday.
Atwal held the 54-hole lead and displayed exceptional composure in the final round. He carded rounds of 61, 67, 65, and 67, demonstrating a high level of consistency and skill. He secured the victory with a clutch par putt on the 18th hole to edge David Toms by one stroke.
The victory made Atwal a household name and showcased India’s potential in the world of professional golf. It was a moment of pride for Indian sports fans and drew attention to golf as a competitive sport in India.
The prize money of US $918,000 was the highest earned by an Indian golfer in a single tournament at the time. This elevated Atwal’s career earnings and set a new benchmark for Indian golfers. Arjun Atwal’s success encouraged Indian golfers, including Anirban Lahiri and Shubhankar Sharma, to pursue their dreams on the international stage.
- PGA Tour Wins: 1 (Wyndham Championship, 2010)
- European Tour Wins: 3
- Asian Tour Wins: 8 (Including the 2003 Asian Tour Order of Merit title)
- Other Wins: 3
- Highest World Golf Ranking: 53rd in 2008
Atwal’s win at the Wyndham Championship remains a defining moment in Indian golf history. It highlighted his perseverance, skill, and ability to compete at the highest level. His achievement continues to inspire young Indian golfers to dream big and aim for success on global tours.
