Anirban Lahiri, flanked by Paul Casey (left) and John Catlin, addresses the media on the eve of the $2 million International Series golf championshp in Gurugram on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: Kamesh Srinivasan
It is an emotional homecoming for Anirban Lahiri, even as he tries hard to focus on tuning his game for the $2 million International Series golf championship to be played at the DLF Golf and Country Club from Thursday.
Despite being a great host, winning admiration from the golfing fraternity for his strong character, Anirban stayed grounded and expressed his happiness about the buzz around the event with the presence of the reigning Major champion, Bryson DeChambeau along with a host of champions of the game from around the world.
“The last time I felt this kind of buzz was when Tiger Woods visited DGC. This is a similar vibe, and it is fantastic to be part of it,” said Anirban, as he addressed the media along with the seasoned Paul Casey and John Catlin.
“I continue to grow as a player and as a person. It is amazing to be here, bringing excitement to Indian golf,” said Anirban, thanking all the stars for accepting his invitation to visit India.
“Hats off to DLF. They have gone the extra mile to elevate everything. I hope we reach the 8,000 plus spectators per day mark for the week-end as it would be a landmark achievement for golf in India,” Anirban said.
It is the collaboration of LIV Golf with International Series and Asian Tour that has brought the galaxy of stars.
Casey, conceding that he was “the definition of rusty” following a surgery, said that he was happy to visit a new country after being on the professional tour for 25 years.
“The shorter schedule at LIV Golf, with its 54-hole format, there is no place to hide, you must perform immediately. I am really excited to be here. I am working my way back into form, and the best way to regain shape is to play”, said Casey.
“I love the challenge of this course. It forces you to hit good shots. If you don’t, you get exposed quickly,” Catlin said.
“It is a dream come true for us that the International Series is here at the DLF. Our aim is to grow the game. We have brought the most iconic players to take on the challenge of the course, in front of global television”, said Rahul Singh, the Head of International Series.
Over the next four days, between the best of international superstars and the best of Indian golfers, who understand the topography of the course, its behaviour, and have won laurels on it, there will be an exciting fare for sure, from DeChambeau, Anirban, SSP Chawrasia and company.
That will infuse a lot of life into Indian golf.
Published – January 29, 2025 06:24 pm IST
