World No. 33 says he's excited to follow his childhood dream of playing at Augusta Masters
Anirban Lahiri did not waste any time getting to Augusta after missing the cut at the Shell Houston Open, his previous stop on the PGA Tour. The 27-year-old World No. 33 got to Augusta and had his first look at the famed Augusta National Golf Club.
"It was just like I had imagined. So good looking and challenging, steeper than one would have imagined after seeing it on TV and certainly a treat to play on," gushed Lahiri after his first full round on Sunday.
Lahiri played a fine round of three-under 69 at Houston Open, but still missed the cut. "It was a great learning experience, both Houston and WGC-Cadilac before that."
Now he is ready for a childhood dream when he tees up at the Masters Tournament on Thursday, hoping it will mark another step towards his ultimate aim of becoming a Major champion.
Lahiri is only the third Indian golfer after Jeev Milkha Singh and Arjun Atwal to tee up at fabled Augusta National Golf Club.
"I'm very excited obviously as it's something every player wants to do. You want to compete, contend and eventually win. These are things that dreams are made up of. It's going to be a very special thing when I tee up at Augusta National," said Lahiri.
"Growing up, you want to play in all the Majors, but the Masters and The Open are the two that are of special significance — one due to its history and the other because of its exclusivity and mysticism.
"The Open is a true open and anybody can qualify. The Masters is the other end of the spectrum where you have to be the best of the best with its steeped criteria to have the opportunity to play. These are the two Majors that have great significance and I'm glad that when I tee up in Augusta, I would have accomplished the first part of my dream which is to play and the second part, hopefully is to do well and win a Major in my career."
Lahiri has won four tournaments, including co-sanctioned events in Malaysia and India in the last 12 months.
After cracking the world's top-50 which earned him a place at the Masters Tournament, Lahiri, knows that good week could pitchfork him into the PGA Tour.
"It's important that I play well," said Lahiri, who was recently tipped by South African great Ernie Els as being a potential Major winner.
"If I can put up a special performance, that would make a huge difference. Playing in the Masters is quite difficult – you've got be top-50 in the world or win a PGA Tour event, or be in the top-10 of the Race to Dubai. To have someone qualify while playing primarily on the Asian Tour and co-sanctioned event, it's a big boost for someone who has the same dreams that I have.
"For me, the three days before the first round will be very important. I will spend as much time and absorb everything and get used to it. I'll spend as much time there on Monday and Tuesday and get over the big moment of being there. My first tee shot will be a huge one. After that first few shots, how I can focus will be very important."
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