"It will be massive for Indian golf"- Anirban Lahiri comments as Bryson DeChambeau expected to star LIV Golf India event
Indian golf fans were surprised when it was recently announced that Bryson DeChambeau might be a part of the LIV Golf India event. His Crushers GC teammate and Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri also acknowledged how "massive" his participation would prove to be.
Hindustan Times reported on Tuesday that DeChambeau can be expected to compete in India's first-ever International Series tournament that is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and funded by LIV Golf. The event will reportedly be played a week before the 2025 LIV Golf season starts.
While the reigning US Open champion is "excited about the opportunity to play in India", his participation is still in the air. However, Anirban Lahiri would be invovled in the event according to DeChambeau. For his part, Lahiri acknowledged the importance of DeChambeau's presence in the inaugral event on his home soil. He said (via Golf Digest):
"I think we are almost there. There are just a few minor things on which we have to dot the i’s and cross the t’s. But yes, I think it will be massive for Indian golf fans if Bryson is there."
He further added:
"Single-handedly, with what he does on the golf course and outside it through his social media channels and his interaction with fans, he has brought millions of new fans to our sport. I think we can all agree he is the most popular golfer in the world right now"
Fellow Crushers GC members Paul Casey and Charles Howell III are also expected to be a part of the LIV Golf India event, according to reports.
"I will support him fully" - Bryson DeChambeau on Anirban Lahiri taking part in the LIV Golf India event
While Bryson DeChambeau's participation at the LIV Golf India event is uncertain, the Crushers GC captain talked about his teammate, Anirban Lahiri's, involvement.
"I am aware that Baan is going to be involved, and we have had a few talks about it."
The 31-year-old is equally ecstatic about the prospect of playing in India. He told Hindustan Times:
"It will be a very important week for him. I will support him fully, and if everything works out, I am extremely excited about the opportunity to play in India. I have never been there, but it’s a country that has fascinated me. I have always loved being a global player and I greatly enjoy playing in as many countries as possible."
According to resports. the prize purse for the debut event is expected to be at least $2 million. The event will be held at DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon.