Golfer Lahiri scores 79 in final round of British Open

India's premier golfer Anirban Lahiri signed off from The British Open with an eight-over 79 to conclude a disappointing campaign at the Royal Troon Golf Club here on Sunday.

The reigning Asian Tour No.1 dropped six bogeys and one double bogey for a four-day total of 12-over-par 296 (69-72-76-79). It was also his highest score in the world's oldest Major.

Lamenting poor putting after the third round, the 29-year-old Lahiri did not make a single birdie in his final round which he played alongside former Masters winner Bubba Watson. He was tied 68th but his position may change because the fourth round is yet to be completed.

South Korea's Soomin Lee, who is fifth on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit, shot an 82 as his Major debut also ended on a challenging note. He totalled 302 but vowed to fight his way back into The Open despite the challenging conditions in the famous Scottish links this week.

Asian Tour member Scott Hend of Australia, who is a nine-time winner on the Asian Tour, closed out with a 76 for a 297 total while Korea's K.T. Kim shot a 73 for a 291 total.

Lahiri will now head back to the United States to prepare for the PGA Championship in Baltusrol, the year's final Major. He will be eager to regain his top form and replicate last year's top-five finish which was the best finish ever by an Indian golfer in a Major.

Subsequently, Lahiri will head to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympic Games where he will be amongst 16 Asian golfers who have qualified for the men's competition.

--IANS

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