Anirban Lahiri to play his second US Open

Anirban Lahiri will be part of the field for next month’s US Open, the year’s second Major, thanks to his decent displays on the US PGA Tour which have helped him stay inside top 60 of the current world golf rankings.

It will be the 28-year-old’s second US Open and ninth Major appearance, when he tees off at the Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, on June 16.

The US Open is the only Major where Anirban has not made the cut so far. He will be eager to redeem himself after last year’s disappointment when he missed out on debut. The tenacious Indian also featured in the Masters tournament in April where he finished tied 42nd.

“I think a year back, I was coming to terms that I am a top-50 player and that I am going to play at the Majors and the WGC. Now all that is behind me and I am looking to perform my best at these events,” said Lahiri, who had a tied fifth finish at last year’s PGA Championship, the best by an Indian at a Major.

“I am now comfortable with the thought that I am playing in the Majors. I look forward to it, I know what to expect as I have played there before. I won’t say it will be easier but I am more comfortable now. I think that’s the first step of playing best golf that you get used to playing the best guys,” he added looking ahead to the challenge.

Lahiri, all set to represent India at the Rio Olympics later this year, is slowly making his way up on the list of Indians with most Major appearances. Jeev Milkha Singh is currently on top with 13 outings.

Playing his rookie season on the PGA Tour this year, the Bengaluru pro has missed three cuts and was joint runner-up in his defence of the Indian Open in March.