Anirban Lahiri Says Self Belief Has Made him Bullish Against Top Golfers

It was a super Sunday for Indian golf with Anirban Lahiri winning the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur. A big win for the Bangalore golfer not only because it's his rookie season on the European Tour but also because the victory has propelled the 27-year old to a career-best world No. 37 ranking. Lahiri is only the fourth Indian to win on the prestigious European Tour joining Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal and SSP Chowrasia. Lahiri spoke to NDTV in an exclusive interview on Monday. Excerpts:

Q: Has it sunk in that you've won your maiden European Tour title?

A: Not really! It's still sinking in little by little. There have been a lot of positive repucussions after the win and it's all coming to me very gradually. The kind of support and messages that I've got on the phone and the social media have been overwhelming. Arjun Atwal sent a message from the US saying it was an 'I told you so' moment for him and how he was telling everyone in America about my golf and how I've proved him right. I was looking at some of my twitter messages and next thing I know, Lee Westwood has started following me and it felt really good.(Lahiri Enters Top-40)

Q: What were the celebrations like after the win considering the Malaysian Open is a very big tournament on the European Tour. There were a couple of Major winners in the field that you beat!

A: It was fantastic as it's one of the better fields on the European Tour. In fact, I was playing with Lee Westwood who was defending and he's been world's No.1. After the win, it was nice to sit down with my dear friend Shiv Kapur and have a couple of glasses of wine with him. Since most of the other Indians had left, it was a relatively quiet night. Now I am in Thailand playing this week, just want to focus for the next couple of weeks and once this stretch of events gets over, I will head back to Bangalore and we will celebrate.(Lahiri Wins Malaysia Open)

Q: This weekend has been particularly spectacular since you shot a 10-under in the third round and a 4-under on the final day. What did you do differently?

A: I think I just got into a positive frame of mind. After two days, honestly even I didn't think that I would win but on Saturday, I went out and tried to play positively and aggressively and managed to continue the momentum right through the round. It's one of those special rounds when you don't make any mistakes. I am glad that it came at the right time.

Q: What are you doing differently on the course considering you've been in superb form in last couple of months during which you won two Asian Tour events?

A: I think the big thing that has changed a lot over the last couple of months is my belief level. My belief in my own ability and having it reaffrimed by the likes of Atwal, Daniel Chopra and others that I've played with. They've given me a lot of encouragement and told me that you're good enough to play on the PGA Tour. Playing in the EurAsia Cup last year had a big impact on me as I played with some of the Ryder Cup players and we beat them. So, when I go out and play in a strong field, I no longer think that I am any lesser in terms of my ability or chances to win. So now I believe that I can beat the best and only not think I can beat the best.

Q: One thing that's changed is the fact that you're now a married man, you wife certainly seems to be your good-luck charm!

A: Yes, she most definitely is my good-luck charm! She's been a great support and structure behind what I do on the golf course. She's held everything together behind the scenes. It's a team effort starting with my wife, my coach, my parents and my trainer -- all of them have an equal contribution to how I am playing today.

Q: Now as the new world No. 37, how do you rate your chance at the Indian Open next week?

A: The Indian Open is going to be a huge event for us. On Delhi Golf Club course, no one can guarantee a performance. You just have to respect the course and look forward to playing and winning. I hope to play my best golf at DGC.