‘Tips from Tiger helped’

Having just ended a winless streak running five long years, a relieved Arjun Atwal can’t help but thank world number one Tiger Woods for helping him with his swing.

Having just ended a winless streak running five long years, a relieved Arjun Atwal can’t help but thank world number one Tiger Woods for helping him with his swing.

Nagging injuries, a freak road mishap that almost put him on the dock on vehicular homicide charges and a slump in form — Atwal’s cup of woes was full to the brim. Having banished all his nightmares to lift his third European Tour title, a grateful Atwal acknowledged the help he received from Woods.

“I belong to the same club as Tiger in Orlando and he’s been a big help. Just practising with him and watching him work the way he does is motivation enough for me,” he said.

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“For him to come and help me with my swing and more on the fitness factor has been really big for me,” Atwal said.

“He doesn’t give me lessons. But anytime I have problems, I can ask him and he’ll help me out. If you get anything from the world number one, you’ll take it gladly,” he added.

Atwal said he was indebted to the Asian Tour as well.

“The Asian Tour has helped me immensely. I went to my first Qualifying School in 1995 and to learn how to make cuts, then to be in contention and finally win, all those I have learnt on the Asian Tour,” said Atwal, the 2003 Asian Tour number one.

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“Those were the best years of my life. I still say it. I had so much fun and everyone are so close. You still see the guys out here, it’s great.”

Atwal’s sensational win also came as a double delight for Indian golf, after SSP Chowrasia’s fairytale Indian Masters triumph in Delhi last month.