India's injury-hit Atwal makes Asian Tour return

Singapore (AFP) - India's Arjun Atwal will return to the Asian Tour for the first time in three years as he seeks form after injuries hit his career in America, organisers said Thursday.

Atwal, who became India's first PGA Tour winner in 2010, will appear alongside multiple major-winner Ernie Els at the $800,000 Venetian Macau Open on October 17-20.

"I?m just excited to come back to Asia to play again and see some faces I haven?t seen in a while," the 40-year-old said in an Asian Tour press release. "I want to also try to gain back some confidence in my game.?

Atwal won the Asian Tour order of merit in 2003 and has claimed three victories on the European Tour. Three years ago, he recorded his milestone win at the PGA Tour's Wyndham Championship.

However, injuries have restricted his playing opportunities and in Macau, he'll be coming off the longest lay-off of his career.

"I took six weeks off from golf to heal. It?s the longest break that I?ve taken since turning professional. I?m feeling better now? getting old!" said Atwal.

"I will get about eight starts on the PGA Tour and Web.Com Tour next season which is through my past champion?s category. And then I will try to play some on the Asian Tour," he added.

Atwal also coped with a tough period in the United States when he was investigated over a fatal car crash in 2007.