It was a giant shock, don’t really feel I’ve actually earned it: Anirban Lahiri on Olympic qualification

Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri says he wasn’t anticipating to qualify for the Olympics given his under par efficiency this yr however now needs to make it rely by returning with a medal from the Tokyo Games.
Lahiri on Tuesday made the lower for the Olympics on the sixtieth spot, the final quota obtainable as per the International Golf Federation rankings.
“It was a big surprise, I wasn’t expecting it,” mentioned Lahiri, who’s getting ready for this week’s PGA TOUR cease on the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands, Connecticut.
“Even though I’ve earned it, I don’t feel like I’ve really earned it as I know how far below my potential I’ve played this year. It’s a gift and an opportunity, so why would I throw it away.”
India was eligible for one spot and Lahiri certified being the highest-placed golfer from the nation on the 340th place.
“I know what it is to be an Olympian as I’ve done it before (in Rio) and I don’t want to be just an Olympian. I want to win a medal, I want to do something that makes a difference,” mentioned the 33-year-old.
“I know winning a PGA TOUR event will do that but winning a medal would even do more. I do have a certain responsibility towards the game and my country.”
The former Asian No. 1 completed a lowly 57th in Rio whereas taking part in with an harm. But not too long ago, there have been indicators of some good type returning following a current T-25 end on the Palmetto Championship at Congaree.
That has made him optimistic of his probabilities on the Olympics to be held on the Kasumigaseki Country Club from July 29 to August 1.
“When I first came upon, I known as my spouse and she or he requested what do I wish to do now. I advised her how can I not go? How can I not signify my nation within the largest sporting occasion on the planet?
“This is why I play the sport … and to have the chance to signify your nation, and never simply the illustration as I really feel like I’m taking part in rather well.
“I feel I’m close to playing my best golf right now and for a lot of reasons, it makes sense for me. It means everything for me to go,” mentioned Lahiri, whose final win got here at residence on the Hero Indian Open in 2015.
After information emerged that he had squeezed into the top-60 checklist following a number of eleventh hour withdrawals, Lahiri was inundated with needs and messages from fellow golfers and buddies from again residence.
“I’ve gotten so many messages from youngsters who’re taking part in the sport now, saying ‘We’re so glad you’re in, we’ve at all times appeared as much as you and go make us proud.’ Everybody has totally different motivations as to why they do that for a residing and a big half is supporting your self, household and private achievements.
“There’s also a huge aspect for me personally that comes from everything that I’ve gotten from the sport and all the love and support I’ve got from my country. I’m thrilled and excited. It is definitely something I wanted to do,” mentioned Lahiri.
This week, he’ll make his fourth look on the Travelers Championship, with a tied ninth recorded in 2018 and a share of seventeenth place in 2017 being his finest outcomes.
“I still have a lot of opportunities including this week to do what I need to do on TOUR (to qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs). It’s been a pretty tough year for me,” mentioned Lahiri, who will play with Bo Van Pelt and Harry Higgs within the afternoon wave.
“I got off to a good start in the fall and lost the momentum in the West coast and started building back up and playing well with a good week in Texas (T5) and then I had Covid and had it pretty bad for four weeks,” he mentioned.
Lahiri, who’s at the moment 118th on the FedExCup rankings, is now combating to remain contained in the top-125 to qualify for the profitable FedExCup Playoffs in August and extra importantly, retain his TOUR card for subsequent season.
He has featured on the PGA TOUR since 2016.