Youth development and brotherhood drive Lahiri’s mentality in Morocco

Youth development and brotherhood drive Lahiri’s mentality in Morocco

Indian LIV Golf star Anirban Lahiri started his International Series Morocco presented by Visit Morocco campaign with a level-par opening round, as he settles into the demands of Royal Golf Dar Es Salam and draws added motivation from competing alongside the next generation of Indian talent.

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The Crushers GC player, fresh off a team victory at LIV Golf Korea a few weeks ago, opened with a 73 in a stacked field headlined by Major champions Bubba Watson and Sergio Garcia, as well as a strong contingent of LIV Golf and Asian Tour stars.

While fine-tuning his own game for the remainder of the week, Lahiri highlighted the growing strength of Indian golf and the role The International Series is playing in providing a platform for emerging players to test themselves at the highest level.

For the 38-year-old, that sense of connection to younger compatriots has become a driving force and personal inspiration.

“Honestly, that’s one of my motivations,” said Lahiri when asked about sharing the field with emerging Indian players.

“A couple of weeks ago, some of the younger guys asked if I was playing and if they could join me for a practice round. I feel very honoured and privileged by that, but also responsible, to help pass things on to the next generation.”

“We’ve got a lot of talented, hardworking young golfers who have the skill and mindset to go a long way. I really enjoy coming out and playing with them and watching them improve.”

Karandeep Kochhar - Egypt Golf Series Red Sea Open - Asian Development Tour

Karandeep Kochhar – Egypt Golf Series Red Sea Open – Asian Development Tour

Lahiri also shared a light-hearted moment from his recent practice round with Karandeep Kochhar, underscoring the close-knit dynamic developing within the group.

“Karandeep actually played quite well, we had a good match. He holed a couple of putts to save himself from losing, and he said that was the best moment of his life so far, which was pretty funny.”                                                              

Reflecting on his own journey, Lahiri described how the roles have now reversed, with him increasingly becoming the senior figure that once inspired his early career.

INDIA_Jeev Milkha Singh

Jeev Milkha Singh

“That’s what makes Asian Tour special, it’s a bit of a brotherhood. It’s about growing together,” he said. “I remember being in their shoes, and players like Arjun Atwal, Daniel Chopra, Jeev Milkha Singh were the ones ahead of me then. Now I guess that role has shifted to me. It makes me feel old, but it’s very enjoyable.”

Lahiri also praised the impact of his stand-in Crushers GC teammate Travis Smyth, 2026 International Series Japan winner, who has continued to build confidence through strong performances in LIV Golf competition when given the opportunity.

“He had that dream run in Korea, played really well on a tough course and got a taste of being in contention, playing for the team. He was telling me how nervous he was, not just for himself, and that’s the beauty of team golf in LIV.”

“I played a practice round with him last week at Valderrama, which is probably one of the toughest courses in the world. The first time you see it, you’re kind of scratching your head trying to figure it out, so I tried to help him a bit.”

“He was very appreciative and respectful, he’s a great player. It’s great to see the talent breaking through on the Asian Tour and The International Series and how the game is growing.”

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