First among equals

This year has been special regard to the comebacks. Obviously after the car crash and my injury troubles,it took a big mental toll on me. But after a couple of wins,I thought this is it,Im back but then again injuries kept me out last year,so the Wyndham victory has been important in telling me that if I dont lose track of where I want to go,I can achieve anything, Atwal said,speaking to The Indian Express.

So does he look at himself as an inspiration for the Indian contingent? No,not really. Thats what people make of it,for me its just that I wanted to be the best at the best place and the PGA tour is definitely the worlds best. The Asian Tour and the European Tour have been stepping stones to get to the best, Atwal added.

But while Atwal acts like a pacemaker for other aspiring golfers to aim for the American shores,its his wife he credits for keeping the competitor in him alive. Shes the one whos always pushing me to do better,in my off season I tend to get lazy but she makes me get out there and encourages me to win, Atwal says.

Though he is confident of winning the Indian Open,Atwal admits there are more than a couple of nervous moments on the course even after playing the game for than three decades. Im the one whos always uneasy,jittery,like on the last day at Wyndham I remember feeling that I shouldnt lose from that position,but I was so nervous. I didnt want to see my two years of hard work go waste,but then when I putted to par,it was all calm again, he adds.

Not surprisingly,Atwal has been an inspiration for many. I believe any Indian golfer who thinks he can play there should give it a shot and Bhullar can win anywhere in the world,so theres no specific route that says you have to first go through the Asian and European before the PGA. If American college goers can do it,why cant we?