By IANS,
Chattanooga (Tennessee) : A cracker of a six-under 66 in the first round of the Chattanooga Classic golf saw Arjun Atwal of India make a last-ditch attempt at getting into the top-25 and claw his way into the PGA Tour for 2009.
Despite a frustrating day with the putter, Atwal still holed six birdies, three of them in the last five holes. But Atwal was still five shots behind the leader, Webb Simpson, who had a 11-under 61. Atwal birdied the second, eighth, 11th, 14th, 16th and 17th in his run.
Simpson is 86th on the Nationwide Money List, but a win here could well see him make a leap up. Second placed Skip Kendall is also hoping for a real good finish as he is 46th and he is two behind Simpson at 63.
Simpson tied the record by Kyle Reifers, who had a 71. Play was suspended due to darkness at 6.55 p.m. with 16 players left to complete their rounds.
Tied for second, at 9-under 63, were Skip Kendall Kris Blanks and Mat Weibring.