Anirban Lahiri's Incredible Finish at the PGA and an Exclusive Q & A With the Golfer

Rock solid golf, the perfect temperament and a killer attitude; Anirban Lahiri played some sensational golf through the week to finish tied for 5th, the best ever finish for an Indian golfer at a Major. The 28-year old carded a super 4 under on the final day to finish with a final score of 13 under, 7 shots off winner Jason Day of Australia. While a bogie on the final hole prevented the World No.53 from finishing at an even higher position, the 2-time winner on the European Tour showed us that he has all the makings of a Major Champion. Anirban Lahiri spoke to NDTV exclusively after his final round at the PGA Championship:

Disha Chopra: Anirban, how are you celebrating, we at NDTV certainly are! (Jason Day Wins PGA Championship)

Anirban Lahiri: Hi Disha, Nice to talk to you. You know I am on my way back to India. I think the celebrations will begin once I get to Bangalore. I will probably get in, in a couple of days and then celebrate.Can't wait to be back.(New High for Lahiri)

Disha Chopra: You've been playing solid and consistent golf at the highest level and showed that you're right up there with the World's best golfers - What's the secret to your success this year?

Anirban Lahiri: I don't think there are any secrets Disha. I am quite glad that I played consistently.I think it is because I have got a lot of opportunities this year to play in big events. I have always had the belief to compete at the highest level and I am glad to show some results for it. You know hopefully in the year and time ahead I can contend and win a major and that would probably be my target.

Disha Chopra: You've got many firsts for India this year including the best finish for an Indian at a major- What next, a major title?

Anirban Lahiri: Well, let's hope so! That would definitely be something that I would aspire to become in the times to come. In the near future I am really excited as you know it seems likely that I will get a chance to play for the National Team in the President's Cup. So that's something that I am looking forward to.

Disha Chopra: I've seen you since your junior playing days and now you're not only participating but also contending at the Majors. Do you often pinch yourself, thinking maybe this is all a dream?

Anirban Lahiri: Yes, it is a very surreal feeling obviously when you start playing golf you do not think that you are going to go that far or you have no idea of how far you are going to go but obviously as time has passed by you know I have worked at it and I have got it better and I am glad that I am this far. Hopefully I will be able to stick to what I have done and go much further than what I have done already.

Disha Chopra: Seems that your wife Ipsa has been your lucky charm- look at your run since you got married last year- two European Tour titles and now a super stint at the majors

Anirban Lahiri: She has been fabulous. She has been great support in my life. My wife has been by my side even before I started doing well at the Asian level. Obviously, it is very important to have that support. My parents have been instrumental and my wife has just joined the team and made it bullet proof. I am very lucky as a sportsperson for all the support that I need.

Disha Chopra: You've been competing and contending at the PGA Tour for about 3 months, tell us how the world now views Indian golf

Anirban Lahiri: It has been fantastic. Even this week we are playing in Wisconsin which is Central Northern part of America. There have a been a lot Indians who have come out and supported me. There have a been a lot Americans who have come out and supported me who know Indian people. A lot of questions are being asked of golf in India. I played with Matt Kuchar today and he was asking me about golf in India and the media out here too is interested to know what it's like. So it's great to be representing my country and my people out here and hopefully I can continue to do a good job. It is a super feeling.

Disha Chopra: What message would you like to give all your Indian fans who've stayed up through all 4 nights watching you play back at the PGA Championship?

Anirban Lahiri: I would definitely say that a lot of this is thanks to them and all the positive energies that they have spent from all across the globe. For all the young golfers out there, just like I was 10 years back. I just want to tell them to believe that they can go as far as they can. They must always dream big.