Feature by Anand Datla
July 07, 2015: Life at the top is often without margins, as Anirban Lahiri is beginning to experience. The young Indian has been the toast of Asia and the world with his ascent into the top 40 of the Official World Golf Rankings this season. But after living in the mid-thirties for a while, the 28 year old has begin to slide down the fiercely competitive ladder, despite some commendable efforts. The man from Bengaluru dropped outside the top 50 this week, falling to 51 despite a creditable T30 finish at the Open de France. (Latest Golf News)
Before we jump the gun, let us acknowledge the fact that Anirban is still in a great place – being ranked 51 in the world is not such a bad thing, besides the fact that the Indian has a ticket to the European Tour for the rest of this season. He has also enjoyed a moderate amount of success on the PGA TOUR, having played some great golf at The Masters and immediately then at the RBC Heritage.
Fans will also remember with a certain amount of fondness – Anirban’s bogey free final round at the Masters, which helped him finish inside the top 50 at the first major of the season.
Who can forget that brilliant contest with Justin Rose – having beaten world No. 23, Ryan Palmer by a handsome margin, Lahiri gave Rose a run for his money before succumbing on the second playoff hole at the WGC Matchplay event in May.
But then, nearly performances are just never enough for the men at the top. And Lahiri is being introduced to the harsh realities of life around rarefied heights with a sudden urgency.
Life inside the top echelons of the game offers some unique privileges, primarily an opportunity to practice your craft among the best, week in week out. And Lahiri is only too aware of that, given that he is a wonderful student of the game.
After a rocking February, which saw him win twice (in Malaysia and India) and finish T21 in Thailand, Lahiri has been hunting for more success. While he has been a terrific presence on both the PGA and European Tours, missed cuts at the Players Championship, US Open and Irish Open have hurt his cause.
But Anirban is a thinking golfer and he will only be too aware of the consequences and responsibilities that come with being among the elite. Expect to see him bounce back strongly in Scotland this week and at The Open next week.
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