Anirban Lahiri Set to Tee Off at Players Championship

Anirban Lahiri achieves another first for himself this week as he makes his debut at the Players Championships in Ponte Vedra at the famous TPC Sawgrass, here on Thursday.

The 27-year-old Indian, who made his debut at Masters, WGC Cadillac Championships and WGC Cadillac Match-play now makes his first appearance at the flagship event of the PGA Tour.

Lahiri's American journey continues on the PGA Tour and as part of the world's elite Top-50, he is getting to play the Majors, the WGC and now the 10 million US Dollars PLAYERS Championship, the flagship event of the PGA Tour.

"I have now played on both sides of the country and in different weather and conditions. I feel like I have gotten better and more comfortable with each passing week and tournament. I will try and stay patient and stick to my routine.

"This week the confidence is good and I feel hungry after a disappointing finish to my last two matches last week. I feel like I have been playing much better than my scores would suggest and that a good week is around the corner."

Having made the cut on debut at Augusta Masters and then having modest outings at the WGC, Lahiri is now looking at the PLAYERS Championships.

"It's been a good journey so far and a very good learning. After the wins in Malaysia and India in events, jointly sanctioned by Asian and European Tours, moving to US was the logical progression. I have now been here for more than six weeks and have played a lot of events. I am getting more comfortable and feel I belong and that gives me a sense of confidence," said Lahiri.

As Lahiri gets ready for his maiden appearance at the PLAYERS, there is also bound to be a lot of focus on Tiger Woods, who makes his first appearance since the Masters, where he finished tied-17th. But he comes to the event at a difficult time, after announcing his parting with his girlfriend of three years, Lindsey Vonn.

The period has also coincided with his father's death anniversary and Woods has called it a 'difficult time' - for both golf and personally.

The field also has all the top stars, including World. No. 1 Rory McIlroy and the recently crowned Masters champion, Jordan Spieth.

Coming back to Lahiri and the PGA Tour, the Indian said, "I met a lot of players and feel more like I belong here after this stretch. I am much better prepared for this week and the tournaments coming up in the future.

"Playing in the US and doing well, you want to be able to achieve PGA Tour membership and you want to also believe you can win over here for that to happen. I feel as though I have tried to force that a little too much and rather just try and let it happen. But I am now more confident after all the recent experiences at different events."

He admitted to being captivated by the beautiful course at the event. He said, "The TPC Sawgrass is a beautiful golf course, one of the best layouts I have ever played on. It's a great track but contrasting nine with the front nine probably a little more challenging off the tee and with the back nine more demanding on the approach shots, but it's one of those golf courses where you need a good all round game. You just can't drive it good or chip good or putt good as everything aspect has to be cohesive to put a good score together over 72 holes. So it's one of those better golf courses that will test every department of your game."

Lahiri has now played at the WGC Cadillac Championships (T-71), Shell Houston (missed cut); Masters (T-49), RBC Heritage (T-44) and WGC Cadillac Match-Play (T34). Now comes the Players.

"I feel I am getting comfortable with each event and I belong here," he said.