Anirban Lahiri vividly remembers the time he used to frequent the RCGC as a kid with his mother “running around with a banana and sandwiches”.
Competing at the Royal after seven years in the SSP Chawrasia Invitational meet beginning on Wednesday, Lahiri, currently one of India’s top golfers, feels “great” to be back at the iconic venue. He hopes to make it even more special by winning the tournament.
“I last played at the Royal in 2015 at the McLeod Russel (Tour Championship). Since then I have come here to visit my family, but no golf.
“The Royal is very special to me as this was my first proper golf course where I played even as a sub-junior. I still remember coming here in 1999 as a 12-year-old to play my first IGU (Indian Golf Union) event. I’ve kind of grown up with it.
“I have seen it through the eyes of a 12-year-old, an 18-year-old and now as a seasoned professional. So it’s very special to me,” Lahiri told The Telegraph at the RCGC on Tuesday. “I have come close many times but victory here has eluded me. So that’s something I would like to change this week,” Lahiri added.
The 35-year-old will have to compete with the likes of Gaganjeet Bhullar, Rashid Khan, S Chikkarangappa, Manu Gandas, Viraj Madappa and of course, tournament host Chawrasia in this four-day tournament that concludes on Saturday.
In Lahiri’s own words, 2022 has been his “milestone year” where he made the move to the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf, which is a breakaway from the PGA Tour and features top golfers like Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood, and could be “something like cricket’s T20 format”, as Lahiri feels.
“My son — my second child — was also born this year,” Lahiri stated.
The year 2023 will also be another “extremely important” year for Lahiri. “My next tournament will be in February with the Saudi International (in Jeddah), which is a part of the Asian Tour. Then, most likely in February end, I will start my LIV season in Mexico.
“More than anything else, I’m really enjoying my golf again. I’m enjoying the space that I find myself in, in my personal life as well. And that’s beginning to reflect in my golf,” Lahiri emphasised.