Anirban Lahiri. Asian Tour
Anirban Lahiri has turned one of the most demanding and tragic moments of his life into a source of immense strength and inspiration.
The 35-year-old Indian, a seven-time champion on the Asian Tour, finished second on Sunday in LIV Golf’s rocking show in Adelaide after starting the final round 11 shots behind eventual champion Talor Gooch and closing the gap to two at one stage.
Lahiri shot 66 and 65 over the weekend at The Grange in Adelaide, matching his 13-under par show (67-64) over the final two rounds at the International Series Vietnam the week before. At KN Links as well, he came close, falling one short of winner Kieran Vincent.
The two performances came for the world No. 91 after a couple of tumultuous weeks for the family, which saw him reach Vietnam without touching his clubs for more than a fortnight.
Lahiri was in the US, getting ready for the LIV Golf event in Orlando when he received a call from India that his mother-in-law, battling cancer, had to be rushed to hospital after her vitals crashed. He had to pull out of the tournament and rush to Pune (near Mumbai). On Monday of the International Series Vietnam, they moved her to palliative care unit.
In Adelaide on Sunday, moments after he closed with a bogey in his 65, Lahiri switched on his phone to be notified that his mother-im-law passed away during the round.
“The last few weeks have been tough for the family. Mom was in a lot of pain the last few days. So, we’re just relieved that she is probably at peace and she’s in a better place now,” Lahiri said as he prepares for this week’s LIV event in Singapore at Sentosa.
“It’s hard to wrap your head around a lot of this. So just trying to process it right now. It breaks my heart not to be there with my wife Ipsa and my children. I’m here in Adelaide, but mentally and in spirit, with them. I guess these are some of the professional hazards that we have to deal with, and I am so very proud of my wife.
“The funeral is on Monday, so there is no way I can physically reach in time. I am planning to play Singapore, though it is hard to say that I am looking forward to it. I will then be in Pune for the post-death rituals, and probably reach Tulsa (next LIV event) later than scheduled.”
Lahiri felt that the only way he could explain his recent run of form is because of getting a new perspective in life, which has helped him play fearless golf.
“I did not have any expectations when I reached Vietnam. The family was going through a very challenging phase. We were just taking it one day at a time,” said Lahiri.
“I was forced to hit the refresh button. You have to still look at the positives and try to receive the messages that the universe is sending. What happened the last few weeks made me kind of reset and re-establish my goals, my perspectives in life.
“I think mentally I’ve managed to just get clearer, more focused, and get more involved in my processes. Honestly, I am just counting my blessings and enjoying a new perspective. Probably, I am just playing with a lot less fear and probably not trying so hard and just letting go a little bit more.
“I’ve always found that a very hard thing to do. I think all golfers find that hard. But you know, the last couple of weeks, it’s come a little easier.”
“I am happy with the way I am playing and I am happy with the way I have been swinging my clubs,” said Lahiri, the Asian Tour Order of Merit champion in 2015.
“I have played Sentosa many times, and I know one thing for sure — you can’t be going to Sentosa playing anything less than your ‘A’ game. So, hopefully, I can continue and have another good week.”
The Indian star, who had dropped out of the top 100 in the world rankings before moving to 91 following his result in Vietnam, was also hoping he had done enough to secure his place in the PGA Championship, the second major of the year starting on May 17 at Oak Hill Country Club, in Rochester.
“I have done what I possibly could. It’s out of my hands now. Hopefully, I will remain inside the top 100 when the field is determined and I get my invitation to the PGA Championship,” said Lahiri, who finished tied fifth in the 2015 edition in Whistling Straits, which remains the best-ever finish by an Indian golfer in a major championship.
