The 34-year-old Japanese star is making his first appearance at PGA Championships and his 63 was in sharp contrast to his first round 77. The 28-year-old Bengalurean shared the spot with Sweden’s David Lingmerth and American Tony Fanau Reigning Masters and US Open champion Jordan Spieth was one stroke behind the Indian and was tied seventh. On Sunday, he made a statement at the highest level of the sport, by finishing inside the top-5 at the year’s final Major.
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“It’s been a fantastic week”, he said. “So a little bummed about that”.
Sportspersons from India and overseas congratulated Lahiri on his success.
Even with a record-tying score, he still has plenty of work ahead of him.
The leading 10 players in the points standings on September 7 will qualify for the Presidents Cup, and captain Nick Price will then add his two wildcard picks the following day. Lahiri had earlier finished the first round with 2-under 70 and the second round with 67.
“It’s massive for me. I’ve won several times now in Asia and Europe and it’s a different kind of thrill when you don’t play for yourself”, Lahiri said. “Also tells me that I need to get just a bit better and maybe I’ll be back here more often”.
In a game where fitness and length have become increasingly more common, it was a 5-foot-9 guy who won the 2015 PGA Championship Long Drive Competition.
He will play in the fourth and last group on Sunday alongside Matt Kuchar. “I think that’s a good sign for me”. Importantly, a PGA Tour card could also be within sight. Back in India, he is quickly becoming the country’s face of the sport.
For his efforts Lahiri earned a $25,000 donation to the charity of his choice and a gold money clip similar to the one given out in the 1950s and 1960s to the victor of the competition.
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PGA is an annual golf tournament conducted by Professional Golfers of Association of America. Anirban’s performance this week will further raise his hopes of representing India at next year’s Olympics. “But I was in the mix”, Lahiri said after a final-round 4-under 68. He did have a good long birdie putt from just under 24 feet on par-3 third.
