Strong finish by Lahiri with hat-trick of birdies

Back on the course days after scripting one of the greatest results in Indian golf history at The Players Championship, Anirban Lahiri dished out six birdies—including three on the trot to finish the day—in the opening round of the Texas Open in San Antonio.

When Lahiri ended his 18 holes that also included two bogeys for 4-under 68, he was placed tied-6th.

The $8.6 million tournament holds greater significance for the in-form Lahiri, who had his career-best result at The Players a couple of weeks ago with a second-place finish in a dramatic ending that saw champion Cameron Smith just about hang on to his trophy. A victory in Texas will give the current world No. 89 a coveted spot in the Masters, the year’s first Major that begins at the Augusta next week.

Coming off a short break,

Lahiri took his time to get off the blocks on Thursday. Starting his opening round at the back nine, Lahiri got a bogey on the 11th and parred the next five holes before a birdie on the 17th got him back even. After another bogey pulled him back further, Lahiri recovered spectacularly.

The last eight holes saw him deliver five birdies, including three on the trot.

Going into the remaining rounds, Lahiri can take confidence from the fact that he finished fifth at the Texas Open last year, and has come into this edition having rediscovered his old touch. “I understand I’m going to need a win, just like everyone else who are not already in Augusta will be hoping to do so,” Lahiri said before the event.

Post his brilliant outing at The Players where he also got richer by $2.18 million, the 34-year-old was forced to take a 10-day break and stay at home. Lahiri was recovering from cough and cold after his daughter “picked up a little infection”.