New Delhi:
Fresh off his Hero Indian Open win, star golfer Anirban Lahiri is now hoping his debut at this week’s USD 9.25 million World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship will lead him a step closer towards his dream of becoming India’s first Major champion.
The 27-year-old Lahiri, the current Asian Tour number one, won the Maybank Malaysian Open and Hero Indian Open in a span of three weeks last month, rising to 34th in the Official World Golf Ranking which puts him in position to play in all four Majors and qualify for the International team for the Presidents Cup this season.
“It’s quite amazing so much has changed,” said Lahiri, who will tee off at the Trump National Doral in Doral, Florida on Thursday.
“I didn’t expect to be in this situation that I am now. I’m happy it’s come and it’s a fantastic time. I’m at a point in my career where I hope to move westward and the wins have helped. I’m excited.”
His recent exploits which makes him one of the hottest players on planet golf as he has now racked up four wins in the past 10 months have seen him draw media interest from all over the world, especially from the United States.
An appearance at the Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida this week will offer a litmus test on Lahiri’s rapid rise onto the world stage but the Indian is prepared to stick to his learning curve.
In his first WGC appearance at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai last year, Lahiri finished tied 28th.
“There’ll be a lot of firsts for me ... I’m really eager for all that. It’s exciting times ahead and I’ll approach them in a similar manner. I’m trying to get better every day and will continue to work hard at improving my skills,” he said.
“One of the main things is to gain the experience of playing in the Majors and WGCs, playing well in them and in different conditions. It’s all about learning as I go along and hopefully maybe I can get into the top-10 and vie for the number one spot,” said Lahiri, who is a seven-time Asian Tour winner.
“I just need to keep playing well and keep playing more in the big events to build up my confidence and ability to compete against the top players."
