Atwal finishes tied 21st in Texas Open

Texas, Sep 25 (UNI) Arjun Atwal's hopes of securing next year's USPGA Tour card received a boost with the Orlando-based Indian finishing a creditable tied 21st in the Texas Open here.

After returning cards of 71, 70 and 67 in the first three rounds, the Indian reeled off as many as seven birdies on his final day outing for a card of two-under 68. Atwal, however, struggled on par-four holes, dropping three bogeys and a double bogey on those, even though it was a decent finish, going by his current form.

Playing his back nine first, Atwals was pushed on to the backfoot as he parred his first hole, bogeyed the second and then dropped two shots on the 11th. On his way back, Atwal dropped a shot each on the second and fifth but the magnificient seven birdies -- on first, third, seventh, eighth, 12th, 16th and 17th -- stood him in good stead and he ended his campaign with a four-day total of four-under 276.

Atwal thus wriggled out of the string of missed cuts and was richer by 36,533.33 dollar for his show here.

Meanwhile, Eric Axley fired a one-over 71 for a three-shot win which earned the American his first PGA Tour title at 15-under 265.

The trio of Anthony Kim, Dean Wilson and Briton Justin Rose were huddled in the second spot.

UNI XC AY PDS SSC1300