Press Trust of India
Nassau (Bahamas), Dec 4: Anirban Lahiri put up an impressive show with a three-under 69 to be tied 10th on the opening day of the Hero World Challenge golf tournament here Friday.
Lahiri, who was paired with the defending champion and World No.1 Jordan Spieth, started on the right note with a one-under on the first hole and kept the momentum going at the Albany Golf Club here.
Spieth, 22, was in top form as he got an ace on the second hole much to the delight of the spectators and Lahiri gave him a high five.
The action continued with an elite field of 18 top golfers as Paul Casey birdied the final hole for a six- under 66 that gave him a share of the first-round lead with Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson.
Spieth made a hole-in-one with a 6-iron and finally added a birdie on a par five to join a large group at 67, tied fourth that included Bubba Watson, Bill Haas, Brooks Kopeka and Adam Scott.
If Spieth’s ace was the talk of the opening day’s action, then Lahiri’s cool play also kept the Indian fans glued to his progress on his debut appearance in the event.
Lahiri, who got a sponsor’s exemption play along with Haas, stayed tied with Patrick Reed and Chris Kirk. The Banagalore-based player also dropped a 16-foot birdie putt on the par-four 13th hole to make his presence felt on the tough course.
“Overall, I would say that it was an okay day,” Lahiri said after the end of the day’s play. “I am happy that I am in the top 10. But a lot of make up work needs to be done,” he added.