Atwal with cards 66, 69, 75 and 72 finished at two-over 282.
Meanwhile, the tournament spilled over onto today as heavy rain and waterlogged greens forced suspension yesterday.
Sergio Garcia, without a win since 2008, led by a shot on a birdie-filled course.
Garcia after playing five holes was at 15-under, while Jason Dufner (14-under after five holes) and Tim Clark (14-under after five holes) were just behind him.
The tournament will end later today.