Golf: I am not intimidated, overwhelmed or scared anymore, says Lahiri

New Delhi: The toast of Indian golf after his historic performance at the PGA championships, Anirban Lahiri says he is no longer intimidated by even the best in the world as his self belief has grown exponentially. Lahiri posted the best ever finish by an Indian at a Major with his top-five finish at Whistling Straits, bettering the ninth place finish of Jeev Milkha Singh in 2008 at the same elite event. [caption id=“attachment_2406748” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File picture of Anirban Lahiri. AFP[/caption] “To play at a Major requires tremendous self belief. That has grown and grown and now when I go and play with the best in the field, I am not intimidated, I am not overwhelmed, I am not scared. I believe when I am out there, I can beat anyone that I am playing,” Lahiri told PTI in an exclusive chat. “The stars aligned up at the right time for me. You work hard and you have to be patient, persevere. And it’s important to play at big events with confidence, that you can be out there and beat the best,” Lahiri, who dreams of winning a Major title soon, added. Lahiri has shown remarkable improvement in his game of late and it reflected in his performance when he won the Malaysian Open and Indian Open, both co-sanctioned by the European tour, early this year. “The biggest difference this time was my self belief, it has grown a lot, exponentially over the last 18 months.” Ask him how this self belief has come and Lahiri says one must have an insatiable hunger to get better for good results. “Everytime you win, it contributes but it’s about getting better. The goal has to be to become a better golfer. Drive the ball better, chip better, putt better. Think when you are on a golf course, have strategies. “If you can improve, your quality as a golfer will reflect in your game. Ultimately you have to shoot five or six under or make birdies. If you can make birdies that’s all what matters, it does not matter who you are playing with or where you are playing,” Lahiri, who trains at Eagleton golf resort in Bangalore with coach Vijay Divecha. PTI