Anirban Lahiri Likens International Series India Buzz to Tiger Woods' Iconic DGC Visit

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Gurugram, Jan 29: Ace Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri is set to kick off his 2025 season with renewed determination as he tees up at the International Series India at the DLF Golf and Country Club.

A pioneer for Indian golf on the global stage, Lahiri is focused on achieving greater consistency and ending his LIV Golf title drought. The Pune-born golfer had a strong 2024 season, earning four top-10 finishes, including a close second-place finish at LIV Golf Andalucía, where he lost to Sergio Garcia in a tense playoff.

Lahiri's efforts were instrumental in bringing the International Series India onto the Asian Tour's roster, attracting a stellar field that includes global golf stars like Bryson DeChambeau, Paul Casey, and Joaquin Niemann.

Speaking about the significance of the event, Lahiri expressed his pride in contributing to the growth of golf in India. "The first time I played here was in 1999, in Category C at the Northern India Juniors. It brings back a lot of memories," Lahiri said.

"In fact, today my dad is here, and we were reminiscing about those days when this was considered way out of town. Now, it's very much in town. A lot has changed, but the fond memories remain."

Reflecting on his journey, Lahiri added, "When I look back, I realize how much I have learned and how much water has flowed under the bridge. I continue to grow as a player and as a person. I'm grateful for everything that has come my way. It's amazing to be here, playing in front of my friends and family, and bringing excitement to Indian golf."

Lahiri compared the current buzz to when Tiger Woods visited the Delhi Golf Club (DGC), stressing the electric atmosphere surrounding the event. "The last time I felt this kind of buzz was when Tiger Woods visited DGC. This is a similar vibe, and it's fantastic to be part of it," he noted.

Over 2,000 spectators flocked to the Delhi Golf Course from early morning, eager to catch a glimpse of Tiger Woods in 2014. True to form, Woods - the then World No.1 - didn't disappoint, waving and acknowledging the enthusiastic crowd with every birdie he made. The crowd only swelled as the day progressed.

This was the largest turnout in the history of Indian golf, surpassing the previous record of fewer than 1,500 spectators at DGC in 2009. Woods wrapped up the 18-hole round with an impressive 9-under, an exceptional score on the challenging and treacherous DGC layout.

While excited by the spotlight, Lahiri remains focused on the task at hand. "I'm here as a competitor first. But I love the responsibility and am grateful to Paul, Bryson, Joaquin, and everyone who agreed to come. Hats off to DLF - they've gone the extra mile to elevate everything. I hope we reach the 8,000-10,000 spectators per day mark because that will be a landmark achievement for golf in India."

The world-class field also includes top Indian contender SSP Chawrasia, a four-time European Tour winner. The presence of DeChambeau, the reigning US Open champion, and Niemann, the 2024 International Series Rankings winner, has further elevated the profile of the event.

Lahiri's move to Dubai and his switch to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League have been significant milestones in his career. Post-COVID-19, Dubai became a strategic base for Lahiri, enabling him to balance his professional and personal life better. Proximity to his long-time coach Vijay Divecha, who runs an academy in Ahmedabad, has also positively impacted his game.

With high hopes for the season, Lahiri is eager to deliver a memorable performance on home soil. His passion for Indian golf and commitment to its growth have made him a trailblazer and a symbol of inspiration for aspiring golfers across the country.