New Delhi, 08-09-2015

Anirban Lahiri becomes first Indian to make International Team for Presidents Cup

Anirban Lahiri has accomplished yet another glorious feat for Indian golf as he becomes the first Indian to secure a place in the International Team for the Presidents Cup scheduled to be played in Incheon City, South Korea, from October 8 – 11, 2015.

The Presidents Cup, a biennial event, played between the United States of America and the International Team (Rest of the World minus Europe) is one of the two biggest men’s team competitions in international golf besides the Ryder Cup which is played between USA and Europe.

Lahiri, currently ranked 40th in the world, made the grade on merit as an automatic qualifier thanks to his seventh position in the International Team standings. The top-10 players earned automatic spots in the team.

Anirban, the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader and a two-time winner on the European Tour this season, had last month etched his name in golden letters in the annals of Indian golf with a top-5 at the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. It was the best-ever result for an Indian at a Major.

“I can’t describe the feeling because growing up you look up to events like the Ryder Cup and feel terrible about it as you can’t be a part of something like that. But thankfully, we have the Presidents Cup for us to aim for and it is an achievement to make the team,” said Lahiri.

“I know Jeev (Milkha Singh) was really close to getting in one year when he was in the world’s top-50 and unfortunately, he couldn’t due to injury. It would have done a lot of good for golf, not just in India but in Asia.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of the International Team. It’ll be a massive boost for golf in the region. You get so many eyeballs and everybody in America will be watching. To be a part of something historic like that is extremely special. All I want to do is make sure that I get a point for the International Team,” added the 28-year-old Indian, who has seven international titles to his credit.

As Anirban heads to Korea for his Presidents Cup debut, he will be encouraged by the fact that he had a successful outing at his first international team event, the inaugural EurAsia Cup in 2014. Lahiri made a huge contribution to Team Asia’s tantalizing come-from-behind 10-10 draw with Team Europe at the EurAsia Cup. 

Lahiri’s teammates in the International Team will include the likes of Major champions Jason Day (Australia), Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa), Adam Scott (Australia), Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) and other leading international stars such as Branden Grace (South Africa), Marc Leishman (Australia) and Danny Lee (New Zealand) as well as fellow Asian superstars Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) and Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand). Captain Nick Price (Zimbabwe) will name two Captain’s picks later on Tuesday. 

The U.S. team will consist of Jordan Spieth, Bubba Watson, Jimmy Walker, Zach Johnson, Jim Furyk, Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Matt Kuchar and Chris Kirk, with two more Captain’s (Jay Haas) picks to be included. 

The Presidents Cup, being played in Asia for the first time, will be held at the esteemed Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Songdo IBD, Incheon City. The USA has dominated the event since its inception in 1994, having won on eight out of 10 editions. The International Team’s only victory came in 1998 while there was a tie between the two teams in 2003.