Shubhankar Sharma and Anirban Lahiri Gear Up for DP World India Championship
Confidence Boost Ahead of the Championship
In New Delhi, Shubhankar Sharma is riding high on confidence following a recent domestic victory as he prepares for the DP World India Championship. Scheduled from October 15-18 at the Delhi Golf Club, Sharma is joined by Anirban Lahiri, who is hoping that a seven-week hiatus will rejuvenate his game against a competitive international lineup.
Sharma, a two-time winner on the DP World Tour, managed to break a frustrating streak by returning to the basics of his game last week. Meanwhile, Lahiri has utilized his time off to focus on both the physical and mental aspects of his long career, acknowledging that his previous season was one of his least successful.
The upcoming championship boasts a remarkable field, including renowned golfers like Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Shane Lowry, with seven Major champions participating, including three current Major titleholders.
Sharma's Journey Back to Form
For Sharma, the focus is on building momentum from his recent win rather than viewing it as a complete turnaround. He had faced challenges in translating his practice into performance, leading to missed cuts that affected his confidence.
"My main goal last week was to gain momentum for this week. I wasn't focused on winning; I just wanted to reconnect with my game and friends," Sharma explained. He emphasized that returning to fundamental techniques was crucial for his success.
The victory was particularly meaningful for Sharma, who felt he had been working hard without addressing the core issues in his game. He noted, "I was putting in the effort week after week but not seeing results. It was about going back to basics and unlearning bad habits I had picked up."
Lahiri's Fresh Start
Lahiri's situation is quite different. After a disappointing season, he took a break from competitive play for about seven weeks, focusing on fitness and mental recovery before returning to rigorous training in Dubai.
"I wasn't satisfied with my performance last season; it was one of my weakest," he admitted. This break allowed him to spend quality time with family, which he had missed due to extensive travel on the professional circuit.
"I'm feeling fresh and mentally in a good place," Lahiri stated, as he aims to channel this renewed energy into competitive play on a course he knows well but finds increasingly challenging.
A Familiar Venue with High Stakes
Lahiri's connection to the Delhi Golf Club dates back to 1999, when he participated in his first tournament there. He recalls sharing early rounds with fellow golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar, long before either achieved international recognition.
"There's a sense of familiarity and comfort here, which is wonderful," Lahiri expressed. The enthusiasm from young fans has also motivated him to perform well.
On the course, Lahiri believes that precision will be key to success, especially with the redesigned greens that demand excellent approach play. He noted, "This week is all about iron play. Keeping it in the fairways will create more opportunities for birdies."
Looking Ahead to the Championship
Sharma's goal remains clear: to challenge himself against the best players rather than shy away from competition. He stated, "I want to play with the best. It's about embracing discomfort and performing under pressure."
After facing two tough seasons, Sharma's recent victory provides a reason for optimism, while Lahiri arrives at the tournament mentally refreshed and ready to make the most of a familiar venue.
Both players now face the challenge of converting their preparation and renewed confidence into strong performances as the championship kicks off on Thursday.