Lahiri eyes title defence at Panasonic Open golf
January 6th, 2012 - 6:10 pm ICT by IANSNew Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri hopes an improved short game will guide him to a successful title defence at the Panasonic Open India in March.
Lahiri enjoyed a dream home victory in the inaugural Panasonic Open India last season but subsequently struggled with his form during the second half of the year, something he believes will improve after joining the growing band of players switching to the belly putter.
“After a great start to 2011, I let my performance slip in the second half of the year,” said Lahiri.
“I struggled to score and my short game and putting left a lot to be desired. I still feel like I am hitting the ball really good and that a good four days is all it might take to get things going again,” he said.
“I recently switched to the belly putter at the Hong Kong Open and I am in the process of making technical changes to adapt to it. I am focussing a lot on my short game since my scrambling stats have not been good,” he added.
Lahiri won the Panasonic Open (India) after defeating countryman Manav Jaini and Mardan Mamat of Singapore in a thrilling play-off at the Delhi Golf Club. The local star will be among a strong Asian Tour line-up in this year’s $300,000 event slated from March 29 to April 1.
He recalled his career breakthrough with fond memories.
“The first win is always special and there was a lot of relief since I had come close before. It gave me a lot of confidence and belief to take forward with me into my career. The two-year exemption on the Asian Tour is something that all professionals look forward to, simply because it allows you to play freely without thinking about your card,” said Lahiri.
After enjoying a well-earned three-week break from golf to spend time with his family and friends during the off season, Lahiri is ready and eager to challenge for honours again in the upcoming season.
“I took my mind off the game for a while. Now with the new season drawing closer, it is back to practice and working out. I have identified areas in my game that need attention and I am working on making them my strengths,” said the 23-year-old.
- Indian golfers dominate Order of Merit ahead of Malaysian Open - Apr 13, 2011
- Lahiri leads pack at SAIL-SBI Open golf - Feb 23, 2012
- Glory for Lahiri at the Delhi Golf Club - Apr 09, 2011
- Shiv Kapur hopes to gain from Jeev's tips at Kensville Challenge - Jan 13, 2012
- Indian golfers hope to maintain success story at Panasonic Open - Mar 28, 2011
- Three Indians chasing Mamat for Panasonic Open title - Apr 08, 2011
- Big Indian contingent at ISPS Handa Singapore Classic golf - Sep 07, 2011
- Karlberg wins Indian Open golf, Manav and Shiv tied third - Dec 05, 2010
- Lahiri opens with a 66 in morning session at SAIL Open - Mar 22, 2011
- Lahiri confident of defending Panasonic Open golf title - Mar 27, 2012
- Molinari seeks debut win at Hero India Open golf - Oct 12, 2011
- Panasonic sign up Anirban Lahiri as ambassador - Sep 24, 2011
- Jaini, Bhullar, Das chase Siddikur at Panasonic Open - Mar 30, 2012
- Randhawa to make 200th Asian Tour appearance at Panasonic Open - Mar 14, 2012
- Ajeetesh, Jaini finish third and fourth at Sail Open golf - Mar 25, 2011
Tags: anirban, april 1, asian tour, belly putter, career breakthrough, countryman, dream home, family and friends, fond memories, golf club, home victory, honours, mardan mamat, New Delhi, open golf, s 300, second half, short game, technical changes, title defence