World number 1 Rory McIlroy is at the Augusta National vying for a “career-slam”, 2-time champion Bubba Watson is back to defend his title and even Tiger Woods has returned from a two month hiatus to compete at the year’s first Major.
Simply put, the Masters is for the big boys of golf.
And in this glittering star-cast, there was one lone Indian. One 27-year old Anirban Lahiri, who over the last year has slowly been earning some of the limelight and walking away with the winners cheques.
And now, for the uninitiated... here is a short refresher on India’s current flag-bearer in World Golf.
1. Asia’s Best
Just 27, Anirban is the top ranked golfer in the Indian PGTI as well as the competitive Asian Tour. And that’s not all, after conquering his home continent, the Bangalore native is currently plying his trade in the elite European Tour.
2. Two Titles in Three Weeks
In his first season in Europe, Lahiri showed no signs of being star stuck or any big-stage jitters. Instead in February, he pretty much swept aside the competition, winning two major titles in a matter of three weeks. Players like Lee Westwood and Miguel Angel Jiménez were left watching as Anirban bagged the co-sanctioned Malaysian Open and Indian Open titles.
3. World Number 34
Helped along by the two victories, Anirban shot into the top 50 of the world rankings almost immediately. Ranked 34th right now, he earned an automatic spot in the Augusta Masters, becoming the first Indian to do so after a gap of four years. Staying in the top 50 will also guarantee him a spot in all big-ticket events for the rest of the year.
4. No Major Rookie
Earlier on Saturday, with a round of three-over 75, Lahiri managed to make the cut at The Masters, becoming only the second Indian ever to do so. This however is not his first Major appearance. Anirban has played at The Open and The PGA earlier. Even famously making an impact at the 2012 British Open when he made a hole-in-one to eventually finish an impressive tied 31st.
5. Because Ernie Says So
Four-time Major Champion Ernie Els has backed the young Indian to be the next Major champion from Asia. The ‘Big Easy’ has gone on record to say he was impressed by Anirban, even adding that “it was no surprise” to see him bag twin titles on the European Tour in February.
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