Lahiri one meet away from Jeev feat

CHARLOTTE( NORTH CAROLINA ): Anirban La hiriwil learn the distinction of being only one Major away from Jeev Milkha Singh, when he tees off at the PGA Championship on Thursday.

Jeev has so far played 14 Majors -- highest by an Indian while the Charlotte event will Lahiri’s 13th. Lahiri will tee off in the afternoon at the back end of the field and in the company of American Danny Lee and Australian Marc Leishman, both of whom have had impressive seasons.

The Rio Olympian will need to watch out for the wind and forecast of a possible showers tomorrow afternoon, but will get out early on Friday. An upbeat Lahiri, who has his Bengalurubased coach, Vijay Divecha with him this week, said,”It is always nice to come back to a venue, where I have some playing experience. I played the Wells Fargo Championship 2016 here and I do remember having a great start with a 66. Of course, the rest of the week did not pan out as well, but I do know a few things about the layout.”

That his best result in a Major has come in a PGA adds to the confidence. His tied 5th is the best Indian result at any Major and the only top-10 after his tied 9th by Jeev at the 2008 PGA Championships.

Lahiri is now firmly entrenched on the world’s biggest stage – the PGA Tour after having secured his place in the FedExCup play-offs later this month. And he has also secured his card for 2018. “That’s always a bit of relief,” said Lahiri, whose tied third at CIMB Classic late last year in the wrap-around season, and tied 2nd at the Memorial, sealed his card.

Lahiri took the week off after RBC Canadian Open, where he missed the cut, and arrived here early with his coach. He said he wanted to get used to the soft layout because of the rains and put in some practice.

“The course has taken a lot of rain and is playing very long. The key this week will be the greens. They are quite similar to Augusta in speed and slope. It will be extremely important to keep the ball on the correct side to give yourself the best opportunities,” added Lahiri.

“My coach Vijay (DIvecha) is here right now. Vijay and I have been working the past couple of weeks on new practice and attitude techniques.”