The Hindu : Sport / Golf : Arjun Atwal's growing image

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Nov 10, 2005

Sport

Sport - Golf

Arjun Atwal's growing image

Shanghai: World No. 2 Vijay Singh considers India's Arjun Atwal the next golfing star to come out of Asia.

That comment and the several practice rounds Atwal has had with World No. 1 Tiger Woods, including one on Tuesday, bear testimony to the Indian's rising stock on the world golf stage.

Atwal may still be way behind the Indian cricketers when it comes to evincing Indian sponsors' interest, but in the higher echelons of golf, he is beginning to get noticed like never before.

The latest round with Atwal here was something Woods had fixed almost a month back.

``It is always interesting to play Woods, whether in a tournament or in practice,'' said Atwal of the experience.

In fact, Atwal might soon join the Isleworth Golf and Country Club, which is the home course for Woods. The club is about 10 minutes' drive from Atwal's home in Florida. They have often hit balls together at the range at the club.

``I'm planning to join his club in Isleworth so that I can see what he does, and how he does it and stuff like that. I've got to know him a better and he's really a funny guy (with good sense of humour),'' Atwal said of Woods.

Atwal said ``I've played a couple of times with Woods in Orlando, but it's the first time that I've had the opportunity to do so at a tournament. It was fun but it's all negative for me as you can never beat him.

``He's got the whole package, the strength, the short game. It does motivate everyone, including me on the Tour''.

Vijay's praise

Vijay Singh was also full of praise for the Indian golfer.

``He's played a lot of college golf in America, so he's very, very familiar with the surroundings. He goes out there, plays practice rounds with American players (including Woods). He has played practice rounds with me so he's very comfortable in America.

``He played great (this year). (He) Almost won twice and had a few top-10 finishes and I think he's going to go on, and you know, win a tournament (on PGA) very soon,'' the Fijian said. In 2005, Atwal finished 82nd on the money list and made more than $963,000. — PTI

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport