Anirban Lahiri wants home winner in Delhi

Anirban Lahiri is hoping that one of the local players can lead the field at this week’s Hero Indian Open despite a change in venue.

The Indian Open has been co-sanctioned by the European Tour and Asian Tour since 2015, and boasts two Indian winners during its time hosted at the Dehli Golf Club.

However, this year will see a change in venue as it moves to the Gary Player-designed DLF course in Gurgaon.

Lahiri, who won the tournament in 2015, is desperate to see the title remain in the hands of an Indian player but admits it will prove more difficult at DLF.

“The win [Hero Indian Open 2015] is definitely up there,” Lahiri said. “It’s one of the most special feelings. We call it our fifth Major. It?s as special as any other victories but maybe it ranks above everything else that I?ve done.

“I would say it would not be as Indian dominated if the event was held at Delhi Golf Club. DLF is more parkland and more like the European-style courses. It’s going to be more open and longer holes, not as demanding off the tee as with DGC.

“You might not see a leaderboard littered with Indian names. But it’ll be great to keep the Indian Open in India. It’s 18 new holes which won’t be the same as to what we’ve played on previously. I don’t know what to expect.

“I’ll be playing it the first time when I get there.”

Tagged Anirban Lahiri, Hero Indian Open