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Lytham St Annes: Anirban Lahiri had already made history at this year’s British Open before he stepped up to the ninth tee in the third round. With one swing of his nine iron, he put himself in the record books again.
The 25-year-old Indian, making his Open debut, made the first hole in one of the 2012 tournament Saturday when he aced the par-3 No. 9 from 150 yards, the ball landing to the right of the cup and bouncing in.
A grinning Lahiri raised both hands in the air and gave a bow. The shot was played in front of his dad, making the moment all the more sweet.
“It was looking a little right of the hole, but it got a really, really friendly bounce. When it goes in, everybody goes wild, I go wild, it was fantastic,” said Lahiri, who shot par 70 to remain at even par for the tournament. He ended the day at tied 18th.
“You’re just looking around, you don’t know how to express yourself, and then you see your dad jumping up out there blowing you kisses. These moments don’t come every day.”
It was his third hole in one in tournament play — and fifth in his career. He was convinced to take the nine iron after going with a wedge on that hole during the second round and finding the bunker.
“It takes the cake,” Lahiri said. “It’s a hallowed event for us. You come out here and you just want to play your best. You and want to put up a good performance for yourself, for your country.”
Meanwhile, Adam Scott tamed Lytham again with a smooth 68 to lead by four shots from Graeme McDowell and Brandt Snedeker.
Australian Scott picked up three shots around the turn to surge clear of his playing partner and overnight leader Snedeker who imploded with six bogeys before a brave birdie on the last hole gave him a round of 73 and a seven-under total of 203.
Woods, bidding for his 15th Major, roared back after two early bogeys to card a level-par 70 and the former world No. 1 finished in fourth spot on 204, one stroke ahead of three-times major champion Ernie Els and American Zach Johnson.
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