BENGALURU: Golfer Anirban Lahiri has had a sensational year and as he now gears up for USPGA Tour’s Hero World Challenge in Bahamas, from December 3 to 6, expectations are naturally high.
Lahiri was part of the international team that played in the President’s Cup in October this year in South Korea. Then he won the Indian Open and Maybank Open. He was duly rewarded with a PGA card for 2016. “I always like to compete with the best in the world,” said the India No 1.
Asked what was the key difference between players who are the best in the world and the best in Asia, he replied: “Well, essentially, they play in big tournaments almost every week. That gives them the edge in terms of mental aspects. They are able to cope with pressure a lot better. Competing with big names is a learning process and hence they always have the edge. We play in big tournaments a lot less as the cost is very high and sponsors are not easy to get. That’s exactly the reason why I try and play abroad in as many tournaments I can so that I can compete better” he said.
He hopes to take a break soon after. “I am leaving for the Bahamas in a couple of days. After that, I will take a break and put my golf bag in the store and relax for about 21 days or so. I always start early every year and I have a PGA card now to play on the pro circuit. Hopefully, I will be able to perform well next year also,” he said.
Lahiri, though, will have to spend more time abroad, especially in the US. “Yes, maybe as I will have to spend almost six months abroad, mainly in the US. I believe that the key factors for consistent success are adaptability, innovation and execution,” he said.