JOIN USLahiri feeling at home on challenging USPGA Tour
Anirban Lahiri has finally begun to feel home at the US PGA Tour. The Indian, who has set base in Florida, believes he is at the end of his transition period, and close to getting his feet on the Tour.
Life has not been same for Lahiri since his breakthrough year of 2015. In the 39 PGA tour events, the 29-year-old has had three top-10s including a fifth at the 2015 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, where he became the first player from India with four sub-par rounds in a major.
“It is always a difficult process to set up and start fresh in new courses, new tour, new countries. But now I am feeling comfortable again, feels like a home tour, the base that we have adopted in Florida has begun to feel like home. When those things start happening it means you are coming to the end of transitional period. And more comfortable you are, better you play. I am think I am getting to that place pretty quickly,” Lahiri, who is in the country for the Hero Indian Open, told Deccan Herald. “It definitely gets lonely there. I couldn’t imagine being there without my wife’s support. It takes some time to create bonds.”
Lahiri, who is currently ranked 73, is still a few spots away from making the first major of the year at Augusta Nationals, and hopes to put things right with Indian Open.
“Barring the Sony Open, where I missed the cut, it has been a good progress. Though I feel I could have finished stronger in the last few events, my game is headed in the right direction,” he said.
“Indian Open is my chance to connect with next generation of golfers. The timing of event is great. I am good 20-23 spots away from qualification (Augusta Masters). I have got two or three events where I have to make the charge. So this would be a great time for everything to click. I feel I am closer than ever before to win here again.”
The Bengalurean, for now, is focused on strengthening his mental and physical aspects. “Technically I am in a confident place. There are a couple of things which I am working on — like my short game and putting, it’s been a bit on and off. I am hitting it well but now it comes down to scoring.”