'Need to raise the bar'

Interview : After a wonderful season, Anirban Lahiri says he will work to sustain his success in the coming years

It’s the end of season time for most athletes across the world and apart from finalising their much-needed vacation plans, one very important thing almost everyone does is self-evaluation. If golfer Anirban Lahiri has to rate himself, exceeded expectations could be the term he might use generously.

He won two European Tour titles, including the cherished Indian Open, took part in all the four majors, was the first Indian to play in the President’s Cup, secured a PGA Tour card and has all but sealed the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Seemingly delighted with his accomplishments, the 28-year-old Bengalurean, in an interview, reflected upon a career-defining season and revealed his goals for the upcoming season. Excerpts:

What are your thoughts on a splendid year?

In reflection, it’s been a fantastic year. I've pretty much accomplished everything, in fact more than what I had set out at the start of the season. It’s been the best season of my career so far. I've got one more event to go, next week at the Bahamas, the Hero World Challenge, after which, I’m looking forward to a much-needed break.

Is securing the Asian Tour Order of Merit the icing on the cake?

Yes, that's something that has eluded me for the last couple of years. I've come close but been unable to win it. For now, it looks like I should win it and it's going to be a special moment in my career. Arjun (Atwal), Jeev (Milkha Singh) and Jyoti (Randhawa) won the Order of Merit and the three of them are obviously stalwarts of Indian golf. To be named in the same category as them is a special feeling.

Of all the things you have achieved this year, which would you rate the most special?

I think they are all special in their own way. If you look at in hindsight, the win in Malaysia (Maybank Open) was the most crucial. It was the biggest win of my career, it got me 40 world ranking points which enabled me to play the majors and got me into the WGCs. Then you take the Indian Open which was the most emotional win of my entire career. Of the nine events I’ve won internationally, that one stands out because it’s the national open. A top-5 finish at the PGA Championship and being the only Indian to do so at a major championship is very special in its own right. Competing in the President’s Cup by itself is a huge and special achievement for me. At the end of the year, to get a PGA Tour card is extremely rewarding, considering the number of events I missed on the European Tour to achieve that goal. It’s very tough to put a finger on something but the Indian Open is the most special of all.

Did you do anything different this year?

Not really. The focus this entire year has been to move on, whether its a good week or a bad week. My biggest folly would have been complacency considering the good things that have happened to me this year. The most important thing for me was to keep my head down and keep resetting my targets, basically pushing myself consistently. I’ve been able to stay focused despite achieving my targets. Whenever you achieve your target, you tend to take your foot off the pedal, something that I’ve not done.

You are going to be playing on the PGA Tour full season next year. What target have you set?

So far, nothing. When this season is done, Vijay (Divecha) sir (his coach) and I will sit down and discuss it. One of the primary reasons I played in a quite a few events in America this year is that I wanted to get acclimatised. I’ve gotten very comfortable there now. I understand how the tour works, I understand their culture and food. That is something which will serve me in good stead next year. Starting on the PGA Tour in January, it would have taken me 5-6 months to get into the groove. Although I didn’t do too well in the 5-6 events I played there this year, I know what to expect next season. I’m more prepared for the grind now.

Conditions wise, how difficult will America be for you?

America is vast country and you will get lots of different weather and grass to contend with. In Europe, you primarily get bent grass because it’s largely cold. At the links courses, you get rye grass or fescue. In America, the South is different from West as to East. Overall, the game is played a lot more through the air there whereas in Europe you need to hug the ground a lot more because it’s more windy. Having said that, in America the weather conditions are sort of consistent while Europe can fluctuate.

You appear on course to seal the Rio Olympics berth...

Very excited to be part of Rio and I want to keep my rankings up. I’ve been slated to play a test event in Rio, tentatively in March. That will be a good preparation for me. It’s not something that all of us would have hoped to happen. I’m looking at it to help make a difference as to how the nation views the sport. It’s the best platform to shine some light on it. There is no better platform to highlight a sport than the Olympics. Whether it’s myself or anyone who goes, if we can get a medal, it would be an incredible achievement.

From Jeev to Randhawa to Atwal, each one has taken Indian golf to a different level. Now you are carrying the baton so successfully this year....

The true test of the pudding will be time. I think for the first time in a while, someone from outside the Big Three has done something strong on a global level. I think among the youngsters, we definitely have the ability. Whether its myself, Himmat Rai, Chiragh Kumar or Gaganjeet Bhullar, we have the talent to make it big. I think when you look at the contribution of the Big Three, it’s not been over a year or so, it’s been a decade.

I like to believe that the baton has been passed on to us, but the true test is only when myself and my contemporaries can sustain the success. We have to continue to push the bar higher. One successful year doesn't signify a change of guard.

Novak Djokovic spoke about how marriage and fatherhood has changed his life, personally and game wise. You’ve been married for over a year now and your game also has evolved too...

(Laughs) I think Ipsa has been fantastic and extremely supportive. It’s been harder for her ever since we got married, considering the amount of travel that has been there over the last year. The demands on my game has obviously gone up in the last 24 months. She’s been by my side for over 7 years now. It’s very important to have support off the field because if you don’t, then your game suffers and lot more in golf as it is more mentally demanding.

We’ve seen coach Vijay Divecha travel with you for some of the big events. How much does his presence help?

Growth as a player and coach is very important. Just as I have got exposed to better fields, better players, better tournaments, he has also gotten exposed to newer techniques, more efficient processes and thoughts on the swing. Golf swing is always evolving and as a coach, you also need to evolve. It’s one thing to give instructions at range and another thing to offer advice during tournament play. I feel it’s important for a coach to come out, experience that and figure out what is the best way to communicate with your ward during an event. It’s been fantastic to have him travelling with me. He’s been more than a coach now. He’s a friend, philosopher and guide. The association goes back almost 15 years now. I’m glad and proud to have him by my side.