Atwal recovers; boosts chances of regaining US PGA Tour card

California, Dec 3 (UNI) Arjun Atwal's hopes of earning a US PGA Tour card for next season received a huge boost after the Orlando(Ga.)-based Indian returned a superb three-under 69 card -- his best so far -- to jump to the tied 47th spot after the fourth round of the Qualifying School Finals here.

Atwal aggregates three-under 285 in four rounds and is nine shots off the leaders, Michael Boyd and Rich Barcelo. With two more rounds to go, the Kolkata pro needs to break into the top 30 to regain his US Tour card.

The Indian is allowed to play in 15 events next year after gaining a conditional card for his 140th place finish on the money list last season.

Playing his back nine first, the former Asian Tour number one started in style gaining a stroke on the 10th hole. After another birdie on the 15th, Atwal went on to make the turn at two-under.

He started his front nine with a birdie but dropped a stroke on the par-four third hole. However, he recovered his wits and signed off in style with a birdie on the last hole.

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