Atwal aims for winning return to Malaysia

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KUALA LUMPUR, Korea -- Arjun Atwal is relishing a return to the Maybank Malaysian Open next week, five years after his last visit ended on a victorious note.

Arjun Atwal makes an awkward shot at the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesian Open. (Franklin/Getty Images)

Atwal, the first Indian to qualify for the PGA TOUR, won the Open in 2003 after a titanic duel against South African star Retief Goosen, but he did not defend his crown in the following year.

The US-based Indian star said his 2008 schedule allowed him to feature in the $2 million event at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club from March 6-9.

"I'm looking forward to going back to Malaysia. The reason why I'm playing is because it's always good to go back for tournaments which I have been won previously. After winning the title in 2003, I got my card in the US and didn't have a chance to defend," said Atwal.

While his triumph was achieved at the Mines Resort, the 2003 Asian Tour No. 1 is familiar with the challenges at Kota Permai. The acclaimed venue previously hosted the Volvo Masters of Malaysia and its forerunner, the Volvo Masters of Asia on numerous occasions.

"I like the finish there ... the last four holes are really strong," said Atwal. "You try and make your score until 15 and then try to hold on. It's a very good course."

Atwal will also compete in this week's Johnnie Walker Classic at DLF Golf and Country Club on home soil, which was where he triumphed in the 2000 Hero Honda Masters.

After his Malaysian trip, Atwal will then head back to the US and focus on the Nationwide Tour, the secondary circuit in the US. He lost his PGA TOUR card last season but is aiming to slog his way back to the top.

"My main goal is to get my PGA card back, either by the three wins (required on the Nationwide Tour) or finishing in the top 25 of the money list. My family has settled down in Orlando, and I want to play on the PGA TOUR, there's no two ways about it," said Atwal, who enjoyed top-15 finishes in the Emaar-MGF Indian Masters and Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open recently.

A six-time winner on the Asian Tour, Atwal produced his best season in the region in 2003 when he won twice and claimed the Order of Merit crown. He also enjoyed the honour of becoming the first player in Asia to earn over $1 million in career earnings that season.

Subsequently, Atwal earned his card in the US and enjoyed some measure of success before enduring difficulties over the past few years with injuries but said he has become a better player.

"In 2005, I was on my way up, but I hurt my back in 2006 ... There were a few things which set me back, but in the recent off season I've worked really hard, and it's getting better now.

"I'm seeing results over the past few weeks, and I'm putting myself into contention, which is good," he said.

He was also pleased to see how the Asian Tour has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. When he last played full time on the Asian Tour five years ago, a total of 18 tournaments were staged and offered $9 million. This season, the Asian Tour is poised to hit a record 30 tournaments and over $40 million.

With the rapid growth, Atwal expects more Asians to break through onto the international front. "With the way the Asian Tour has grown in the last few years, the prize money has increased, and more tournaments are being played. It's only a matter of time before more guys break through and win big tournaments (internationally)," he said.