What’s in the Bag?

Event – Hero Indian Open 

This week’s tour champion is Anirban Lahiri claiming the prize at the recent Indian Open. The 27 year old Indian fought off fellow native competition to win by one at seven under par.

What is most remarkable about this success is that Lahiri claimed the win without a driver in his golf bag. He follows the example of Phil Mickelson at the Open in 2013 claiming victory with a conservative approach in difficult conditions.

The win has moved the Indian up to 34 in the current world rankings.

Stats Don’t Lie…

The key to his victory was his short game, leading the event in putts in regulation. He averaged a remarkable 1.649 putts that proved decisive as the pressure built on the final day.

Despite the absence of the driver, he averaged 274 yards from the tee and found 60% of fairways. Although this appears lower than an average event winner, the course is notoriously narrow which is why he left the driver at home in the first place!

The Winners Bag…

Lahiri relied on his Callaway Diablo Edge Tour 3 Wood. It ensured he remained in play and provided the confident platform for success.

He successfully used his 5 wood, an X2 Hot from Callaway to compensate from playing further back and utilised a low punch shot frequently to great effect.

His Srixon Irons (Z Forged 725) allowed the champion to break par each day with quality approach play.

His most successful club was the Titleist SC GoLo M3 putter. Despite recovering well from hazards it was his blade that proved the difference.