JOIN USResults apart, this has been a great week in terms of being a pressure-reliever more than anything else. By that, I don't mean pressure from the media or people back home or even pressure from myself. I know I'm good enough to compete out here. That’s the way I have felt ever since I came here to the United States to play around the start of this year. But I had not seen anything that would suggest that.
This week, a Top-5 finish in a Major against the best in the world at the PGA Championships puts that to rest. I can come out here and play more freely, not having to prove anything to myself. So in that sense the tied-fifth finish and the way I have played at various stages gives me a sense of relief and satisfaction. But there is still work to be done.
As for the round on Sunday. I started well, the way I wanted to with some birdies. I was really in a good zone with all those birdies on front nine. Then I think the 3-putt on 10 from five or six feet, I think that was just like a kick in the stomach for me. It just knocked the wind out of me.
But again I am glad I did really well to gather myself from a difficult position. I made birdie on 11. That kind of steadied the boat a little bit. But again, I was kind of disappointed to finish in the end with a bogey on 18th.
On a personal front, I'm very happy with how I played this week. It's been consistent and I didn't really feel out of place. I think that's a massive positive for me. I felt really comfortable whoever I was playing with and whenever I was playing and whatever I was doing. I felt very much at home. I think that's a good sign for me. Hopefully in the time to come, I will be back at this level more often and I can contend and win a major.
I am also excited as it is likely I will get a chance to play on the International Team against US in the President’s Cup. I love team events, I have played for India in Asian Games and in World Cup and for Asia and I enjoy the events.
Playing at the Presidents Cup would mean a lot to me. Growing up you watch events like the Presidents Cup and the Ryder Cup, and last year I was fortunate enough to be a part of the inaugural EurAsia Cup, and be part of a team that came from a whitewash on day one to level it at 10-10 against Europe. So I am looking forward to President’s Cup.
Also during last few months in US a lot of Americans have asked me about golf in India and even some of the players, who I play with like Matt Kuchar in the final round, ask me that. So, as I have said before I feel proud to be representing my country and people. I feel good because this (result at PGA) will push the game more back home.
This year I have learned a lot. Initially when I came to US I tried to do things differently and moved away from what I had done when I played my best in the past. I learned from that and now I've gone back to my old routine, just sticking to my own strengths and working with those. I think it's enough to win out here, and that's where the belief comes from. That’s been the positive of this season so far and Whistling Straits this week.
Jeev’s pat
Congratulating Lahiri for his record tied fifth finish, ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh said that the Indian pro is scaling new heights and has brought immense joy and pride to the nation.
“I would first like to congratulate him on what was a stupendous achievement. I thought he was just outstanding in how he handled the unique pressures of a major championship, and I am sure this is just the start of an incredible journey for him,” Jeev said.