Local Golfer given chance of a lifetime to caddie for Indian star golfer Anirban Lahiri
Local golfer Rohit Gupta has been enjoying the experience of a lifetime at this week’s DP World Tour Championship after receiving a last minute request to step in to caddie for Indian star golfer Anirban Lahiri during The Race to Dubai’s final showdown currently taking place at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Lahiri has enjoyed a stunning rookie season on The European Tour, winning his first two titles in the space of a fortnight at the Maybank Malaysian Open and the Hero Indian Open and coming into this week’s season finale, which is open to the top 60 players, ranked 19th in The Race to Dubai.
But he was left without a caddie when his regular bag man, Rajiv Sharma, ran into visa issues, so in stepped Emirates Golf Club member Gupta.
“I got a call from the club and immediately I said yes!” said Gupta. “It’s a bit overwhelming but it’s been really good. I had to skip work for two days which was no problem! It’s been a great experience.”
Despite being well aware of Lahiri and his spectacular rise to stardom, Gupta revealed that he hadn’t met the player prior to getting the call this week but he’s been reveling in the unique opportunity to witness how top level Tour players operate during a tournament.
“I knew of him obviously – he’s India’s biggest and brightest shining golf star at the moment but I’d never met him,” said the two-handicapper. “The players are so relaxed out there. You’d think they would be pumping themselves up and trying ‘beat’ the ball into the hole but they’re very relaxed.”
Lahiri admitted that he has been impressed with Gupta during what has been an enjoyable week for the pair so far.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “Obviously I miss having my regular caddie Rajiv on the bag – that goes without saying. But having said that, I don’t think I’m a very demanding guy on the course and Rohit has been fantastic. He’s had a great attitude on the golf course and it’s been fun. I’ve enjoyed all the time we’ve spent together on the golf course this week and I’ve made a new friend.”
With the standard deal for a caddie generally being a 10 percent share of the player’s prize money, and no cut at this week’s tournament, could Gupta be in line for a bumper payday come Sunday evening?
“No, no,” he laughed. “It’s about much more than money, just to be given the experience is wonderful.”
General admission at Jumeirah Golf Estates is free of charge and can be obtained by registering online at www.DPWorldTourChampionship.com.
