Anirban Lahiri shot to fame when he won his maiden Asian Tour title at the 2011 Panasonic Open India, and In 2012, he won his second Asian Tour title at the SAIL-SBI Open on home soil to become the first Indian to win the tournament since its inauguration in 2008 after defeating Thailand’s Prom Meesawat on the first play-off hole. He was in the mix in the final round of the 2012 Indian Open before finishing fifth alongside Thailand’s Arnond Vongvanij and Finland’s Jaakko Makitalo. He talks about the season gone by and future plans:
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Can you reflect on your 2012 season?
It was great to get my second win so early in the year – Sail SBI Open. It’s always nice when you win the second time because it proves a point to you that, you know, it wasn’t a fluke and kind of reaffirms your faith in yourself. So I think that win last year was very important for me. Following that, I’ve played very consistently through the year and probably, the icing on the cake was the US $8 million British Open Championship!
In the second half, I didn’t play to the best of my abilities but I still managed to perform decently. It was nice to play in the CIMB Classic, a PGA Tour Event, a lot of good exposure with a lot of players from top 20s and top 30s around the world. All in all, it was a very important season for me and to finish in the top 10 of the Asian Tour makes it that much nicer! But, that’s all in the past now. I need to re-set my goals and focus on moving forward.
What was the highlight for you?
I couldn’t have asked for a better performance on my debut (on British Open Championship, the Wimbledon of Golf). That was a very very special week for me, also getting the hole-in-one in that tournament, is something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
And what was the low point?
Well, it’s difficult to say what the low point of the year is. Like I said, there were a lot of events where I was in a good position and I couldn’t finish on the winning note. That perhaps is something that has its share of lows, but I’m looking forward and taking things positively from all my experiences over the last year. And obviously, there will always be some shortcomings but I’m working on that and I’m trying to make sure that I don’t repeat them this year.
That would certainly be a shot which you would like to re-hit?
It wasn’t any specific shot but a whole round. That round would be the last round of Barclays Open in Singapore.
Which was your favourite tournament?
The British Open Championship, (by a long way!)
What did you learn about yourself in 2012?
I gained a lot of confidence. Also performing well in the previous year has given a boost to my career and I’m hoping to learn more about life and my game both on and off the course in the coming season.
You will be playing the second edition of the Louis Phillippe Cup in a few day’s time.
For me, it was fantastic experience. The Louis Phillippe Cup is played in an exciting city teams format in Matchplay where last year we went all the way into the final. This year playing for Bangalore again, we will surely be a tough one to beat.
What will you work on in the off season?
I’m working very hard at improving my putting (because) that’s one area which will definitely help my game improve and otherwise, my general fitness level, you know if that can go up. So these are few areas I’m working on in the off season.
Who do you think is the next big star on the Asian Tour?
Well, it’s very difficult to point at anyone but I think David Lipsky has had a great year and Thaworn Wiratchant, even at this age was in smashing form last year and won the Order of Merit. You know, its sad that none of the younger guys could match up to his fitness and energy levels. There were 3 Indians in the top 10 of Asian Tour Order of Merit and for the 2013-14 season I’m really excited for the youngsters like Khalin Joshi and Chikkarangappa that are coming out of the Indian Amateur circuit. I’m really expecting them to come out with great results.
Next big star on PGTI?
For me, it would be a difficult call between Chikkarangappa and Khalin Joshi. Khalin is playing in Louis Philippe Cup from 11-16 Feb, 2013 for TAKE Chennai at Jaypee Greens Golf Resort, Greater Noida. It will be interesting to see what he brings to the tourney.
What do you hope to achieve in 2013?
I would like to play on the Asian Tour and win many more titles. Over and above that, I’m looking to pick my tour card on Europe and maybe qualify for a grand slam but my focus is going be on European Tour and to win overseas.
Favourites
Dream Fourball: Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Jeev Milkha Singh
Funniest golfing moment: When I got a four or five shot penalty when my ball hit a tree and came back and went into my bag.
Memorable golfing moments: Getting a hole-in-one at The Open and shooting 64 in the final round of the Indian Open 2009
Best shot ever: Final putt at the Indian Open 2009.
Favourite golfer (Indian / worldwide): Jeev Milkha Singh, Tiger Woods.
Favourite holiday destination: Koh Samui (Thailand)
Favourite golf course (India and abroad): Eagleton, Bangalore, Black Mountain Golf Course - Thailand.
Toughest golf course/hole: 3rd Hole Royal Calcutta Golf Club.
Turning point in life: Moving to Bangalore by myself at the age of 17.
Dream date: Megan Fox.
Dream Machine (car): Audi R8
Favourite Cuisine: Indian
Favourite film: 3 Idiots, You dont mess with the Zohan.
Favourite film star: Megan Fox.
Favourite Music: Linkin Park, Hip Hop.
With inputs from Tilak Malaviya
By Indian Sports News Network
