|
 The Indian world number 85 curtailed his post-nuptial holidays in
Madagascar after two days upon learning he was one of 10 golfers to
secure places for the July 17-20 major at Royal Liverpool, Hoylake
as the highest ranked non-exempt players.
"I want to play next week in a relaxed approach as life has been
hectic with the wedding (in late May) and there's been a lot of
things in the head like getting the visas, accommodation and airline
bookings done," Lahiri told the Asian Tour.
"I am trying to get it all out of the head now and focus on playing
my best. I've been practising hard over the last three days which is
good... just trying to get back into the groove," he added.
"It was a great surprise that I've got into my second Open next
week."
Lahiri admitted that he had no idea he was in the frame to make a
return to the Open two years after his first appearance until he
received news of the invite.
"I thought the qualifying cut off was sometime in May and when I
checked the Open website, they only had the regular categories
available and I assumed I had missed the chance as I wasn't in the
field for any of the qualifying events," he added.
MADAGASCAR RETURN
"That was why I had scheduled to get some time off. My wife has
taken it well although her honeymoon is truncated but she
understands the situation, being the wife of a professional golfer.
[to top of second column]
|
"She's been very supportive and I promised to take her back to
Madagascar."
Lahiri leads the circuit's order of merit after winning the
Indonesian Masters and recording four other top-10 finishes, and
also made a handsome contribution to Asia's come-from-behind draw
with Europe in the inaugural EurAsia Cup in March.
The Bangalore golfer debuted at The Open in 2012 when he finished in
a respectable tie for 31st at Royal Lytham and St Annes, his
performance highlighted by a magical hole-in-one during the third
round.
"In the two years since my first appearance, I believe I have
progressed as a player and I feel I am going back to the Open as a
more rounded player than the last time," Lahiri said, explaining how
he planned to modify his game for links golf.
"We've been working on reducing the spin rate on the ball and
hitting low shots. I'm trying to get the rhythm and tempo going
again and also working on the mental aspect."
(Writing by Sudipto Ganguly; Editing by John O'Brien)
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
