Lahiri makes 1st ace at this year’s British Open

LYTHAM ST. ANNES, England >> Anirban Lahiri had already made history at this year’s British Open before he stepped up to the ninth tee in the third round.

With one swing of his 9-iron, he put himself in the record books again.

The 25-year-old Indian, making his Open debut, made the first hole in one of the 2012 tournament Saturday when he aced the par-3 No. 9 from 150 yards, the ball landing to the right of the cup and bouncing in.

A grinning Lahiri raised both hands in the air and gave a bow. The shot was played in front of his father, making the moment all the more sweet.

“It was looking a little right of the hole, but it got a really, really friendly bounce. When it goes in, everybody goes wild. I go wild. It was fantastic,” said Lahiri, who shot a 70 to remain at par for the tournament.

“You’re just looking around. You don’t know how to express yourself, and then you see your dad jumping up out there blowing you kisses. These moments don’t come every day.”

It was his third hole in one in tournament play. He was convinced to use the 9-iron after going with a wedge on that hole during the second round and finding the bunker.

“It takes the cake,” Lahiri said. “It’s a hallowed event for us. You come out here and you just want to play your best. You want to put up a good performance for yourself, for your country.”

It’s a special time for Indian golf.

With Bangalore-based Lahiri and mentor Jeev Milkha Singh both making the cut at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, it is the first time two Indians are playing a weekend at the same major.