File photo of Anirban Lahiri who is part of a large Indian contingent at the International Series Morocco which tees off at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat on Thursday. Image courtesy LIV Golf.
By Rahul Banerji
LIV Golf’s Crushers GC star Anirban Lahiri will headline a 10-strong Indian group at the Asian Tour’s elevated International Series Morocco which tees off in Rabat on Thursday.
Others in the field include multiple Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar, two-time Indian Open winner S.S.P. Chawrasia, DP World PGTI regulars Rashid Khan and Ajeetesh Sandhu besides rising stars like Shaurya Bhattacharya and Shubham Jaglan.
Also in the field at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam is the consistent Karandeep Kochhar who has been having a fine year on the Asian Tour, Asian Development Tour and the IGPL.
The $2 million event presented by Visit Morocco boasts of a competitive field with international heavyweights like Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson and Branden Grace, and LIV stars like Scott Vincent, Abraham Ancer and Elvis Smylie.
For Kochhar, who has chalked up three top-10 finishes in just five Asian Tour starts this season including a T5 placing at the International Series Japan and fourth place at the Philippine Golf Championship, it is an opportunity to spend quality time with Lahiri.
“Honestly, it’s amazing having Anirban here. It means a lot for all of us when someone with his experience comes out to The International Series and spends time playing practice rounds with us.
Vast experience
“He has so much knowledge from playing on the PGA Tour and LIV Golf over the years, and you can learn so much just being around him.
“Right now, he’s carrying the Indian flag in global golf, and he’s an amazing role model — not just as a player, but as a person too.
“We’re all really happy to have him here, and hopefully I get to play some more rounds with him this week.”
Lahiri, 38, and Kochhar, 26, have already seen some friendly competition after the former’s arrival from Valderrama where he finished in the top 10 at LIV Golf Andalucia.
“We actually had a little seven-hole match today. Me and Aryan (Roopa Anand) versus Anirban and Shaurya,” Kochhar said.
“Aryan and I were two down with two holes to play, but I birdied the last two holes to halve the match. I was pretty happy about that.”
Kochhar’s recent form includes a tied-ninth finish at last week’s am green IGPL Bharath Classic, and victory at the Egypt Golf Series Red Sea Open on the ADT.
Looking back on his season so far, the Chandigarh golfer believes his results reflect the progress he has made in his game.
The International Series Morocco will provide a high-profile stage for in-form IGPL star Karandeep Kochhar. Image courtesy International Series.
Hot run
“I think I’ve been playing really well this year. I’ve only played five events so far and I’ve already had three top-10 finishes, so that’s definitely encouraging,” said Kochhar.
“Even in the other events, I felt like I was playing solid golf. In New Zealand, I just had a poor Sunday, and in Singapore I wasn’t playing my best, but I still managed to make the cut, which I was happy about.”
That consistency has been tested over the past three weeks as Kochhar competed throughout Morocco’s unique professional golf swing, progressing from the ADT and Asian Tour to this week’s tournament.
Having played all three events, Kochhar the stretch has been physically demanding, particularly in the challenging conditions at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort.
“It’s definitely been a bit taxing. The last two weeks at Mazagan were tough because it’s such a windy golf course, and playing in those conditions takes a lot more energy out of you.
“I’m definitely feeling a little tired, but I keep reminding myself how important, and potentially life-changing, this tournament is. I’ll have a long break after this week, so it’s worth giving everything I’ve got.”
Also read: Kartik Singh finishes as top Indian at Morocco ADT event
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