Report by Anand Datla
September 7, 2014: The past few weeks have offered a steady stream of good vibes for Indian golf, be it the association of Qatar Airways with PGTI or the steady performance of our golfers on the European Tour. Anirban Lahiri and Jyothi Randhawa added to the series of accolades, with a couple of memorable performances at the Omega European Masters. Lahiri shot a six-under 64 at the Crans-Sur-Sierre Golf Club to jump a massive 27 spots on Sunday to set up a top twenty finish.
Randhawa was not as lucky, slipping outside the top twenty despite making 68 on a low scoring day at the resort town of Crans Montana in the Swiss Alps. Graeme Storm and Brooks Koepka were setting up a thrilling finish, tied at 18-under through 16 holes. There were three other men at 17-under as the scent of a playoff gathered in the air around the scenic course.
Lahiri saved his best for the last – having already made a decent 70-67-68 in the first three rounds, the Indian turned on a special performance in the final round to surge into the top twenty. Lahiri was spotless through a round that was decorated with an eagle on the 331 yard 7th hole. Lahiri also made birdies at the 5th, 9th, 13th and 15th to produce a formidable 64 to complete his duties at the event. Anirban signed off with an overall score of 11-under 269 to tie for 13th along with seven other men.
“I definitely needed this result today as it has been a tough week. I played well but I haven’t scored. It was nice to have a bogey-free round today. I felt like my game was turning the corner so I’m happy I managed to do it before I leave here,” said Lahiri.
“It was very important to pick myself up after the opening 70. I played flawless golf in the first 10 holes where I was three-under and really, I should have played much better right throughout the week,” said Lahiri. “But it’s my first tournament back and I’m still a little bit rusty. It’s nice to have four rounds in and I’m sure I’m going to kick on from here,” said Lahiri.”
Randhawa was not as spectacular as he was in the previous two rounds – but a steady effort this week – 72-65-65-68 saw him finish in T21 with three other men at 10-under 270. Randhawa too made an eagle at the seventh hole, but bogeys at 8 & 16 meant that the effect was nullified. Eventually, his 68 came from birdies at the 10th and 14th.
Rahil Gangjee, who promised more with a 67 in the second round, could not do better than 3-over 73 to finish in T76 with 283.
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