PTI
Rio de Janeiro, August 10: Reigning Asia No. 1 Anirban Lahiri and Indian Open winner SSP Chawrasia will carry the country’s medal hopes when they tee off here Thursday as golf makes a return to Olympics after a gap of 112 years.
Lahiri has been a revelation for Indian golf in the last couple of years as he clinched the Asian tour Order of Merit after winning twice – the Maybank Malaysian Open and Hero Indian Open in 2015.
After 20 events on the PGA Tour this season, including all Majors and WGC events, Lahiri made the cut in all but four and his experience of playing against the best in the business will hold him in good stead as he is in his medal hunt.
“The goal obviously will be to get there and try to get a medal or two, if both SSP (Chawrasia) and I can play well,” said Lahiri, who has been clubbed with America’s Bubba Watson and Germany’s Martin Kaymer for the first two rounds. “If either of us or both can win a medal it will have a big impact on golf in India and Asia,” he added.
Chawrasia, a winner of four international titles, including three on the European Tour, registered a long-awaited victory at the Indian Open earlier this year that propelled him into contention for the Olympics.
“I feel it’s an opportunity for me to give something back to the country. Not everyone gets a chance, I feel very lucky,” said Chawrasia, who was clubbed with Ireland’s Seamus Power and Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen-Tang.
In the women’s segment India will be represented by 18-year-old Bangalore girl Aditi Ashok, who is in her rookie season as pro.
However, golf will not have much of its sheen as World No. 1 and 2 Jason Day and Jordan Spieth have withdrawn from the Games because of Zika virus concerns. Among other golfers, Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Graeme McDowell, Vijay Singh and Rory McIlroy are some of the top names missing.