Florida (US): Anirban Lahiri achieves another first for himself this week as he makes his debut at the Players Championships in Ponte Vedra at the famous TPC Sawgrass, here today. The 27-year-old Indian, who made his debut at Masters, WGC Cadillac Championships and WGC Cadillac Match-play now makes his first appearance at the flagship event of the PGA Tour.
Lahiri’s American journey continues on the PGA Tour and as part of the world’s elite Top-50, he is getting to play the Majors, the WGC and now the 10 million US Dollars PLAYERS Championship, the flagship event of the PGA Tour.
“I have now played on both sides of the country and in different weather and conditions. I feel like I have gotten better and more comfortable with each passing week and tournament. I will try and stay patient and stick to my routine.
“This week the confidence is good and I feel hungry after a disappointing finish to my last two matches last week. I feel like I have been playing much better than my scores would suggest and that a good week is around the corner.” Having made the cut on debut at Augusta Masters and then having modest outings at the WGC, Lahiri is now looking at the PLAYERS Championships.
“It’s been a good journey so far and a very good learning. After the wins in Malaysia and India in events, jointly sanctioned by Asian and European Tours, moving to US was the logical progression. I have now been here for more than six weeks and have played a lot of events. I am getting more comfortable and feel I belong and that gives me a sense of confidence,” said Lahiri.
As Lahiri gets ready for his maiden appearance at the PLAYERS, there is also bound to be a lot of focus on Tiger Woods, who makes his first appearance since the Masters, where he finished tied-17th. But he comes to the event at a difficult time, after announcing his parting with his girlfriend of three years, Lindsey Vonn.
The period has also coincided with his father’s death anniversary and Woods has called it a ‘difficult time’ – for both golf and personally. The field also has all the top stars, including World. No. 1 Rory McIlroy and the recently crowned Masters champion, Jordan Spieth.
