New Delhi, Sep 23 (Inditop.com) Arjun Atwal, who won the Indian Open exactly 10 years ago in 1999, Wednesday confirmed his participation to give the field for the Hero Honda Indian Open 2009 a big boost.
Atwal, who last competed in the Indian Open in 2005, the year Hero Honda took over the sponsorship of the event, has since been playing in the US on the PGA and Nationwide Tours.
Atwal, who has been recovering from a shoulder injury, has been given a sponsor’s spot to compete in the $1.25 million Asian Tour event to be staged at the DLF Golf and Country Club from Oct 8-11.
Atwal’s confirmation means the event will see two golfers from the US PGA Tour. Daniel Chopra, a friend of Atwal, had already confirmed for the event. Atwal’s last win on the Asian Tour was when he annexed the Maybank Malaysian Open in 2008. Before that the Indian ace registered his second Hero Honda Masters win in 2003. Atwal also won the Hero Honda Masters in 2000 at the DLF Golf and Country Club and the Indian Open in 1999.
“I am really looking forward to competing in the Hero Honda Indian Open 2009,” said the 36-year-old golfer, who is considered one of the �Big Three’ – others being Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa – of Indian golf.
“It has been years since I played competitive golf in India. I have had a fair bit of success in Asian Tour events in India with three wins. I hope to add to that tally at the Hero Honda Indian Open 2009,” added Atwal.
rounak