Arjun Atwal is being seen as the favourite to win the $ 3,00,000 Hero Honda Indian Open golf tournament that begins in the capital on Thursday.The 32-year-old is the only Indian to play on the US PGA tour along with the likes of Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh, and is coming off a hugely successful season.He is currently ranked 79 in the PGA tour with earnings of just under $1 million, is ranked second in the PGA tour's statistics for putting average, and ninth in terms of putts per round.Positive outlookThe impressive showing has not translated into any recognition from the sponsors or the government.However, the situation doesn't seem to bother the golfer, who sounded optimistic about the situation."I have my sponsors and I'm well taken care of," Atwal said."I have no problems with people who invest in cricket as they obviously get their returns. But I want to see people in India invest in young talent, so they're encouraged to go play abroad," he added.Looking aheadAtwal's success has not been able to get him an Arjuna Award either. But considering that Jyoti Randhawa received the award this year, he could well be next in line."I think it's very politicised, so I don't make much of it. I'd rather not worry about things like that," Atwal said.Randhawa has already tipped Atwal as the favourite to win the Indian Open, though he (Randhawa) himself is probably being too modest.Irrespective of who wins the tournament, both golfers will look forward to the challenge of the World Cup in Portugal later this month, where India has got a direct entry thanks to the fine performance of the pair.
Atwal all set for Hero Honda tournament
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