Dubai: Local golfer Rohit Gupta was called in as a last minute caddie for India’s Anirban Lahiri at the DP World Tour Championship after the rookie’s regular bagman Rajiv Sharma ran into visa issues this week.
“I got a call from the club and immediately said ‘yes’,” recalled the Emirates Golf Club member. “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,” he added.
Lahiri finished five under par 283 at the year-ending event with four round scores of 73, 67, 72, 71, to finish tied for 34th.
It ends a great breakthrough year for the rookie, who recorded two wins and five top ten finishes, including a tied for fifth place finish at the US PGA Championship, which is an Indian record best finish at the Majors.
“I knew of him obviously – he’s one of India’s biggest and brightest shining golf stars at the moment but I’d never met him,” said Gupta, who plays off a two handicap. “The players are so relaxed out there. You’d think they would be pumping themselves up and trying to beat the ball into the hole but they are very relaxed.”
Lahiri said he was impressed with his stand in caddie. “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 caddie’s usually taking home a ten per cent share of the player’s prize money and no cut in the tournament, could Gupta now be in line for a hefty pay packet?
“No, no,” he laughed. “It’s about much more than money, just to be given the experience is wonderful.”
