Anirban Lahiri is ready to relive some fond memories this week at the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by TNE, with the Indian former champion describing the host country as “a little piece of home away from home”.
Lahiri clinched the title in 2014, for a maiden victory away from Indian soil. He then followed that up with victory in the Venetian Macau Open in the same season, before winning the Maybank Malaysian Open and the Asian Tour Order of Merit the following season.
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The 36-year-old, who has secured his spot in the LIV Golf League next year following a solid year in Crushers GC colours, also finished runner-up in the 2022 edition of the event, four shots behind Thai star Sarit Suwannarut, and he aims to go one better this week.
“It’s always fun to be back here, I really enjoy coming back. I enjoy this golf course. I think it sets up nice for me and I’ve done well over the years and yeah, it’s always fun to come here,” said Lahiri.
“Over the years, Indonesia was one of my favourite stops when I was playing on the Asian Tour because there was a massive Indian expat community. There still is but I remember coming here in my early days, 2008, 2009, 2010 and there would be a massive community of Indians, we would go to their homes for dinner and it felt like a little piece of home away from home. I’m going back 15 or 16 years and ever since then, it was like a love affair just to come here and enjoy the hospitality.”
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Lahiri hopes to get the W he feels his form merits this week. His final-day seven-under in Miami last month was instrumental in Crushers GC winning the season-ending team tournament.
He said: “I’ve been playing really well but haven’t had a win to show for it. So, that’s going be the focus this week – to just keep doing what I’m doing because obviously I’m doing some things right but come Sunday, try and get into the same mindset that I found in Miami (LIV Golf Team Championship Miami) week and stay locked in and hopefully get over the line.
“Royale Jakarta in 2014 was my first international win outside of India and even before that, I had contended here and even since I’ve come close, on numerous occasions, so obviously, I enjoy playing here and looking forward to going one better than last year.”
The BNI Indonesian Masters presented by TNE is the final event on the 2023 International Series schedule, and a last chance for the players to secure crucial positions on the Order of Merit which could potentially secure entry into the LIV Golf Promotions event in Abu Dhabi come December.
“When you look at the last stretch, these three events can be significant in determining who wins it. Well, obviously, Andy’s (Andy Ogletree) run away with it, but there is still the opportunity to get on the LIV Golf Promotions event. Just the fact that you’re going to be playing in a quality field with a lot of us here. You’re playing for you know, one a half, two million dollars, sometimes more. I think it’s phenomenal!”
