July 02, 2014. Anirban Lahiri has been invited to play at the Open later this month, as one of the 10 highest-ranked non-exempt players in the world rankings at the end of last week. It was a pleasant surprise when the Royal Liverpool, the host of the 143rd Open Championships rang out a notice yesterday adding Lahiri to the list of entrants.
Lahiri is in Madagascar, on a ten day honeymoon with his wife Ipsa Jamwal, who he married at the end of May. It is understood that Lahiri shall be cutting their trip short and flying back to India to prepare for the event, scheduled to start from 17 July.
The 81st ranked golfer has some very pleasant memories from his maiden Open experience in 2012, when he tied 31st and enjoyed an ace in the third round. The golfer currently leads the Asian Tour Order of Merit, and an already flourishing season could turn memorable if he can emulate what he achieved at the Royal Lytham and St. Annes two years ago.
Speaking to the Asian Tour, Lahiri said, “I am two days into my 10-day honeymoon. In the middle of a tropical rainforest in Madagascar and trying to get back to India now ASAP (as soon as possible).” “Total chaos,” he added. “Will have to make it up to the wife big time. Super excited. Just trying to figure out my movements so that I can get ready for The Open.”
Lahiri, who finished third on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last year is in the throes of another successful season. He won the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters and has recorded four other top-10s. The Indian will be joined by KJ Choi, who earned his ticket to the Open after finishing T2 at last week’s Travelers Championship.
The Open is the oldest major in Golf and the event returns to Hoylake after a memorable finish in 2006, when Tiger Woods defended the title with some outstanding golf. The Hoylake is a seaside golf course with a rich heritage dating back to the 19th century.
