Anirban Lahiri signs off with 72 at British Open Golf

St. Andrews (Scotland), July 20 (IANS)

Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri scored even-par 72 in the fourth and final round to get a total of six-under 282 in the 144th British Open at the Old Course here on Monday.

Starting his round six shots off the lead, Lahiri was determined for a quick charge from the opening tee. However, the scripts did not go according to plan when the 28-year-old suffered an early setback with an opening bogey.

Playing together with former Open champion Paul Lawrie of Scotland, Lahiri then fought back gallantly with four birdies on fourth, fifth, seventh and ninth holes for an outward 33.

However, a woeful back-nine where he dropped four shots in his last six holes marred his card and undid all his good work in his front nine.

Bengaluru-based Lahiri, appearing in his second British Open, knows he will return as a more accomplished player after he signed off at the world's oldest Major.

“I can't say I played well because I dropped too many shots over the last two days, which is disappointing. I hit into the bunker so many times this week and that cost me a shot every time,” Lahiri said in an Asian Tour release.

“When you hit into these traps and get bitten, you realise how far you have to hit to stay away from them. But it has been a great learning experience and you learn from them, especially when you play on the course for the first time,” said Lahiri.

Lahiri, who will turn his attention to the European Masters that is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour in Switzerland later this week, continues to remain upbeat of making his impression on the international stage one day.

“It's good that I'm playing these sort of events and on such courses. I can only get better as I progress,” said Lahiri.