Anirban Lahiri is in Australia for this week's Australian Open hopeful it will be a springboard to a breakthrough major title.
The 31-year-old was placed 5th at the 2015 USPGA championship, the best ever achievement by an Indian golfer at a major.
He's come to Australia to re-ignite his career. After a lean couple of years, Anirban Lahiri feels success at the Australian Open could turn his fortunes around.
"I have a lot of ground to pick up, but in our sport, it takes one good week and just a filip in your confidence to put all that behind you," Anirban told SBS.
Anirban Lahiri poses with the trophy after winning the Malaysian Open golf tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 08 February 2015. Source: AAP
His father's army career led to a love of golf.
"That was my introduction to the sport just growing up and playing on a bunch of different army courses. Wherever he got posted there was a golf course,"
He showed enough in his opening round in Australia to prove he has a genuine ability.
"That was nice to see its one of things that always happens to other people so it's nice to have one go in for you," he says.
Australian Open hopes
Doing well at the Lakes is a priority for Anirban, but helping India win its first World Cup of Golf in Melbourne next week would also be something special.
The Australian Open is the fifth oldest continually run professional golf tournament in the world; it was first held in 1904.
"Next week at the World Cup you're playing for India, you're not playing for Anirban Lahiri, and I think that makes for a much bigger impact back home," he says.
His 5th place at the USPGA Championship three years ago is the best ever finish by an Indian at a major.
Anirban Lahiri takes a shot on the 13th during round 1 of the Australian Open Golf Tournament at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney, Thursday, November 15, 2018. Source: AAP
Winning one would be massive.
"You need to be able to win a big event you need to able to do something on a global scale," he adds.
Still chasing his dreams, and hoping to inspire the next wave of Indian talent in the process.
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