From his breakout performance at the 2015 PGA Championship to representing India on golf’s biggest stages, Anirban Lahiri has become one of the country’s most recognisable sporting figures. In an exclusive conversation with GolfPlus, Lahiri opens up about his partnership with Rolex.
1. You became a Rolex Testimonee back in 2015. Looking back, how did joining the Rolex family change your journey as a golfer and how you represent Indian golf on the world stage?
My journey with Rolex actually started long before I became a Testimonee. As a junior, much of my coaching was funded by a grant Rolex gave to the IGU for grassroots development. A lot of my early growth in golf was thanks to that support. Ten years later, becoming a Testimonee felt very natural. Knowing what Rolex has done for the game has been a huge privilege, and it’s been an honour to be associated with them — it’s been a fantastic journey so far.
2. As a long-term partner, Rolex often supports growth pathways in golf. What initiatives would you like to see Rolex and others create to develop the next generation in India?
Like I mentioned, Rolex has been doing a lot behind the scenes, growing the game in ways that aren’t always visible. I’m myself a product, in part, of the very initiatives they’ve undertaken. They’re supporting professional golf along with grassroots development, and their commitment to the sport has always been unwavering. It’s amazing to see the work they’re doing, and I believe many more stories of their impact will come to light as time passes.
3. Rolex symbolises timeless consistency. How do you bring that consistency into your preparation and performance across long seasons?
I spent a day and a half at the Rolex Watchmaking School, and it reminded me a lot of how we operate on the course. We both follow strict processes and protocols — pre-shot routines, gym sessions, mental preparation. All of these combine to create consistency. The way I approach my game mirrors how Rolex maintains its standards as a brand: discipline, precision, and professionalism. There’s a strong symmetry between the two.
4. How has your practice evolved from your early Asian Tour days to now?
Over the past 18 years as a professional, my practice has had to evolve constantly. In my early days in India, it was about establishing myself and learning the ropes. On the Asian Tour, I had to adapt to travel, jet lag, and different conditions. Europe brought another set of challenges, and the PGA Tour demanded further evolution — new grasses, game styles, and methodologies.
Even now, almost two decades in, I’m still evolving to keep pace with the game: biomechanics, equipment, speed of play — everything is changing, and I have to adapt. Change is the only constant, and staying ahead means continuously learning, adjusting, and improving.
5. You’ve played across Asia, Europe, the U.S. and now LIV. What is the remarkable difference in preparation and competition across these environments?
The biggest difference is the level of competition. As you move up the ladder, conditions get tougher and the fields stronger, which demands constant learning. On the PGA Tour or LIV, you’re up against world-class players every week — even on their off weeks, they still play at a world-class level. There’s no room for average golf. You have to bring your best, stay focused, and maintain intensity and discipline week in and week out. The higher the level, the sharper you need to be.
6. How does your mindset shift when you play for a country or team versus for yourself?
On the course, my mindset doesn’t change much unless I’m switching between stroke play and match play — the processes I’ve built for myself stay the same because they optimize my game. The real difference comes from representing something bigger than myself. Playing for India or for a team adds extra motivation and pride. You pause to see where you or your country stands, which can push you to raise your level.
That said, consistency is key. Even when the stakes feel higher, I stick to my routines and processes — that’s what brings out my best golf. There’s no greater feeling than wearing the tricolour, but the way I approach each shot remains grounded in the same discipline.
7. Golf is often described as a mental game. What do you tell yourself when standing over a putt that could define your week?
This is where mental training comes in — treating every shot the same. You’ve heard the clichés: the most important shot is the next one, or stay in the present. They’re true, especially under pressure.
I go back to my routines and processes to stay focused on the shot in front of me. It keeps me in the moment and removes the result from the equation. Of course, I want to make the putt, but the mental discipline is what truly defines your performance.
8. How do you want to be remembered within Indian sport, and what would you like your impact on the next generation to look like in 10 years?
I want to be remembered for more than just my golf. The game has given me far more than I could have imagined, and I feel immense gratitude.
Over the next decades, my focus is on helping the next generation of Indian golfers reach higher levels. We haven’t yet realized India’s full potential in producing world-class players, and I want to contribute to that — especially at the grassroots level. I’m already mentoring young professionals and amateurs and will continue to do so.
I also hope to win a few more events, because every victory helps grow the game at home. I feel fortunate to be in a position to shape the future of Indian golf, and I carry that responsibility with pride and honour.
9. If you could play a practice round with any three golfers, living or historical, who would they be?
I get asked this question quite often, and my answers have changed over the years but to be completely honest, if I could, even though it’s not possible right now, I would love to play a round with my father and, sometime in the future, my son and daughter, who are three and six. That would be a really special and fun day on the golf course for me.
10. Non-golf passion you’d pursue if you weren’t a professional golfer?
If I weren’t a professional golfer, a non-golf passion I’d pursue is watchmaking. I’m really intrigued and fascinated by it. I’ve done some watchmaking courses online, and I recently spent two days at the Rolex Watchmaking School in Mumbai, learning from the Dean and getting my hands dirty, so to speak. It was quite exhilarating. Who knows, maybe when I hang up my boots, I’ll put on an eyeglass and get to work.
