Viraj Madappa, who will spearhead India's challenge at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (ACC) golf tournament starting tomorrow, feels Anirban Lahiri's exploits will definitely act as an inspiration for him and his countrymates here.
The 17-year-old Kolkata-boy, the highest ranked Indian amateur and the fourth best in this field of 120, will be hoping to make his third appearance at the AAC count when he tees up tomorrow in the company of two other youngsters, who are ranked higher than him.
With place at the Masters at stake Madappa is hoping to emulate Lahiri, who made his debut and made the cut at the Masters this year. Jeev Milkha Singh and Arjun Atwal are the only other Indians to have teed up at the Augusta.
"Getting a chance to play for a berth in the Masters or the Open is a huge incentive," says the six-foot-two Madappa.
"The achievements of Anirban Lahiri are a big incentive for all us and he is a role model of sorts for all upcoming players," he added.
Besides Madappa, 23-year-old Samarth Dwivedi, who has vast experience including playing at the Asian Games in 2014, is another Indian bet in the tournament.
Dwivedi was born in Allahabad, but honed his skills in Thailand, where his parents were based and is now playing regularly in India. Fairly successful on domestic circuit, he is making his debut at the AAC.
The prize for the winner and even runner-up is quite attractive. The winner gets a ticket to the 2016 Masters Tournament at Augusta and both the winner and runner-up will be eligible to compete in the Open qualifying series, Asia or Australasia for the 2016 Open Championship and the winner also gets an invite to the 2016 Qatar Masters.
