Arjun Atwal eyes 'good show' with Kiradech at Zurich Classic

Arjun Atwal eyes 'good show' with Kiradech at Zurich Classic

Indian golfer Arjun Atwal hopes to produce ‘awesome golf’ as he is all set to start his Zurich Classic of New Orleans campaign with Thai ace Kiradech Aphibarnrat on Thursday.

Atwal was the captain of the 2018 EurAsia Cup Asian Team, of which Kiradech was then a Top-50 player. Atwal was hugely impressed with Kiradech, and now they team up at the unique event.

This tournament features pairings playing both four-ball and alternate shot formats throughout the weekend. The four-ball being used in the first and third rounds and Foursomes (alternate shot) in the second and final rounds.

The players on the winning team will each get a two-year PGA Tour exemption and spots in the PGA Championship, The Players, the Tournament of Champions, and other invitational events.

The 48-year-old Atwal said, “There’s nothing to not like about Kiradech. He’s such a cool guy, and he’s laid back just like me. We recently played a few rounds together, and I realised how similar his game is to mine, at least during my peak. I know he’s struggled a little bit over the last few weeks, but I think he’s found his form, and I think you’ll be seeing some awesome golf from us.”

Kiradech has struggled to find his best form for nearly two years now, believes that teaming up with one of Asia's golf legends will provide the missing spark.

“The reason why I picked Arjun is because he’s one of the best Asian players ever. He’s won on the Asian Tour, European Tour, and PGA TOUR, and there’s no doubt in my mind why I picked him. He’s also such a nice guy, a very positive guy, and I’m looking forward to playing alongside him. We’re very comfortable with each other, and I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of fun,” said the 31-year-old Thai.

Jon Rahm and Ryan Palmer will defend the title they won in 2019. The event was not held last year due to Covid-19.

Other leading teams will be Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, Matt Wolff and Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith, Tony Finau and Cameron Champ.