He’sgot the style and flair and of course, the game. Four years after turning a pro, Anirban Lahiri has achieved success which continues to elude many old timers.
A picture of serenity and calmness on the fairways, the 23-year-old Bengaluru-based golfer, who won the 2009 Order of Merit, is looking forward to playing at home as he gets set to defend the Bilt Open golf championship. Lahiri won the title at the Jaypee Greens last year.
Speaking about the city which is now his home, Lahiri said, “It is good to play in the city you live in. you know the weather is fantastic and you have the comfort of playing in the environment you know.”
Lahiri, who is currently third in the PGTI Order of Merit, has been a regular on the Asian tour over the last couple of years.
“I’ve played well in many tournaments on the Asian Tour this season, with two top-10 finishes. But my game has been a little patchy and I have failed to finish well in the big ones. I still have a few more tournaments to go this year especially in Singapore and Hong Kong and hopefully, I can make amends,” said Lahiri.
While his Asian tour performances have been inconsistent, the same cannot be said about Lahiri’s show on the PGTI Tour, considering he hasn’t fallen out of the top-10 in the past year-and-half while picking up two titles.
“I’ve had a great year on the PGTI Tour. It feels good to be consistent every week,” said Lahiri
Being successful automatically translates into pressure week after week, but Lahiri believes says it does not affect him. “Winning titles does not put pressure, instead it throws up a tough decision-making scenario as many of the events clash with the Asian tour calendar. I have my priorities clear about playing on the Asian tour.
“At times it is like a carrot dangling in front of me and I keep wondering should I or not. But I tell myself that I have to win on the Asian tour now. The Order of Merit last year was a stepping stone and I should not limit myself.”
Looking ahead, Lahiri said he was hoping to start off well in the next season in order to be in a position to make choices.
Asked whether it could be the European Tour or the USPGA next season, Lahiri said, “In the season ahead I want to start off well and work harder to give myself a flying start. I will have to set myself up by June to consolidate my position in Asia and then I can take chances.
“I’m leaning more towards the US and Japan rather than Europe as my game is better suited for the US. I’ve spoken to Jeev (Milkha Singh) and Arjun (Atwal) and they have both advised me to go and play where it suits my strengths.”