Gurugram, March 12, 2017: Anirban Lahiri turned in a brilliant third round performance this morning to jump 43 spots into a tie for eighth in the Hero Indian Open. The 73rd ranked Indian is focused on securing a spot at the Masters and a good performance this week and the next is key to his chances. Late into his second round, Anirban was tottering on the edge of the knife, before making a spectacular climb up the order.
We have come to expect this of Anirban. The gritty Indian is committed the game beyond belief and is not one to give in without a stoic effort. At six over through the 17th yesterday, Anirban could have easily slipped out of the tournament with a bad shot. After all he suffered a double bogey at the 18th in the first round.
As it were, he found his resolute best to produce a birdie at the tricky par-5 18th hole to secure his weekend. “I will play some aggressive golf over the weekend,” he promised me. Beginning on the 10th hole, he started with a birdie before surrendering the shot at the next hole.
A couple of birdies helped him navigate to the turn in 35 shots. With the threat of suspension looming, Anirban lit up his card with consecutive birdies at the first and second.
The course reminded him of its ugly teeth by extracting a shot from him at the third. Playing with caution, Anirban made par at the next three holes, before firing inside the top ten with a hat-trick of birdies. He took just 32 strokes on his second nine, accounting for a timely 67.
There is a premium on every shot at the DLF Golf & Country Club. The Florida resident is all too aware of the treacherous course and the opportunity it presents. Anirban is now just three strokes off fourth place, held by Michael Hoey and Matteo Manassero.
Expect another brave performance from the brilliant golfer in the final round this afternoon.
