25-year old ANIRBAN lAHIRI, ranked sixth in the Asian Tour chats up with ABHISHEK PUROHIT on his performance, new season, Olympics and more.…
You have always done well at the DGC, but this Panasonic Open hasn’t turned out to be too good. What are the reasons for the disappointing show this timeIJ
Yeah, the course at Delhi Golf Club and its greens are in fantastic condition. I love the DGC course here very much. It’s windy and I think it has caused some problem for me. When it’s windy, it gets even more difficult to mix it with the technical stuff. Also, I believe I need to improve my game on all aspects. I am struggling with the four-iron play. My putting was also not upto the mark. I missed almost five or six four-feet putts. Things were not going at the front nine and then making extra effort and relying on back nine has been counter-productive.
The season has started. So, have you made any changes in your playing styleIJ
No, there are no noticeable changes. But, yes, I have analysed my last year’s performance a bit and has made a couple of adjustments. These are minor changes. It is important to keep your focus and work on your basics. I feel I need to improve my putting and swing. Otherwise I am in a good state of mind to start with. I am physically and mentally ready.
What are the upcoming tournaments that you are looking forward toIJ
After this, there is Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea this week. Then I will play in Indonesian Masters. Next, the schedule is closed for summer break for around a couple of months and then again the season opens.
How do you maintain your fitnessIJ
I do a lot of exercises. I do a lot of training and also follow a strict diet plan. I do gym as well to keep myself fit. With the busy schedule in golf and a lot of traveling, one need to be fit. Also, mental training is extremely important. Mentally, one needs to be strong. So, for a stable mind, I do a lot of meditation.
Recently, it was decided that golf will be a part of 2016 Rio Olympics. How are you looking forward to thatIJ
It is a great thing that has happened to golf. It is a great motivating factor for golfers around the world. We were waiting for it and now we are happy that golf will be played in the Olympics. As per my knowledge, top two-ranked players will have the honour to represent India in the 2016 Olympics. So, that will be great. Playing for the country is a big deal. I am too excited about it. There is still around two years left. So, I need to raise my game and I am confident about it. Hopefully, I will get the chance to be at Rio.
What India needs to promote golf on the ground levelIJ
A lot of infrastructure. We have the talent to succeed. We need to train them. We need to promote golf at the grassroots level and popularise it in all parts of the country. As more and more people will play, we will have a broader talent base. Now that golf is part of the Olympics, our Government needs to do some serious thinking and we should do it quickly because our governments have the tendency to wake up just six months before some big competition.