Chikkarangappa to caddie for Anirban Lahiri at Tokyo 2020 golf
S Chikkarangappa was earlier among the probable replacements for golf at the Summer Olympics.
One of India’s exciting golf prospects S Chikkarangappa will carry the bag for his compatriot Anirban Lahiri at the Tokyo Olympics later this month.
Anirban Lahiri and Udayan Mane are the two Indians to make the cut of the men’s golf event at Tokyo 2020, which will be played at the Kasumigaseki Country Club from July 29 to August 1. Chikkarangappa was earlier on the waiting list as a replacement for the Summer Games.
“Having my dear friend, my little brother Chikkarangappa caddying for me is something that I’m looking forward to. We are all just students, motivated with the same goal, which is to bring glory to our country,” Lahiri was quoted saying by PTI.
The 27-year-old Chikkarangappa started as a caddie before he became a golfer, turning pro in 2013. The Bengaluru native has finished fourth in the last four tournaments he has competed in, including a win at the Gujarat Open in February.
Back on the PGA Tour following a bout with COVID-19 in April, Anirban Lahiri felt that his game was coming together well just in time for the Olympics but is wary of the challenges at Tokyo 2020.
“I think the biggest difference about the Olympics is you don’t get anything for coming fourth,” Anirban said. “Anything other than a podium finish is not significant at the Olympics, though a tied fourth at a PGA Tour event goes a long way in ensuring a lot of things on the PGA Tour.
“It’s more of all or nothing (at the Olympics) because that's really what you are there for,” the Indian golfer said.
Anirban Lahiri finished 57th at the Rio 2016 golf tournament.