Tulsa
Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri’s week kept getting better even before he reached the tee in the opening round of the PGA Championship as he got to practice alongside the legendary Tiger Woods.
Lahiri, who is making a Major appearance after nearly three years, made a late decision to turn up at Southern Hills while waiting for the arrival of his second baby. He then arrived at Southern Hills on Tuesday and when he got to the course for a practice round on Wednesday, he found Woods without anyone else.
The 15-time Major Champion asked the Indian if they could play together. Lahiri could hardly believe this stroke of luck.
Lahiri said, I headed to the first tee and there were a few players there, and I and Tiger were standing around. There was some confusion as to who was going and it was then just me and Tiger, and he asked me (to play together) why would I ever say no to that invitation! It was just random, it was serendipity. Woods played nine holes before he left and then Lahiri got to play nine holes with Bryson DeChambeau, who later withdrew as his hand is still not okay after surgery.
I had a really fun day, an interesting day. It was quite the surprise, said Lahiri.
Got in late last night and honestly, I’ve not gotten much sleep the last few days. I was just going about my work and I know he normally practices in the morning because every time Tiger is at a major, the crowds let you know where he’s at, said Lahiri.