Anirban Lahiri, Shiv Kapur, Jeev Milkha Singh to tee off at Irish Open

Newcastle (Northern Ireland): The Indian trio of Anirban Lahiri, Jeev Milkha Singh and Shiv Kapur is all set to tee off at the Irish Open, hosted by Rory Foundation at the Royal County Down Golf Club here.

Lahiri, who has been making his appearances at some of the most famous tournaments this year, including the Majors, is hoping to re-discover the form that won him two titles in three weeks at the start of the year to catapult him into the world's elite Top-50 club.

Jeev, who underwent treatment for his shoulder, is slowly coming back to full fitness, while Kapur celebrated Monday with rounds of 67-67 at Walton Heath to earn a berth to Chambers Bay for the US Open at the International Qualifiers.

Lahiri, who is currently No. 9 on the Race to Dubai Points list, said: "This is a magnificent course and probably one of the very best in the world. It is stunning and I am sure very challenging, too. Also, the people are so warm and friendly, that it is a pleasure playing golf here.

"I am looking at this event as the beginning of the period where one gets into the frame of mind for Links golf. I have had my taste of Links golf at my two previous appearances in the Open Championships in 2012 and 2014 and I have great memories. And I am also looking forward to the Open at St. Andrews," added Lahiri, who is now No. 43 in the world after being a career high No. 33rd in late March.

Last year Kapur came through the US Open qualifiers and then finished his life best T-23 at Pinehurst.

"It was a great feeling to shoot 10-under over two rounds and hopefully I can go better than that at Chambers Bay. But before that is the Irish Open and it is a great event. I have played it many times and would love to contend here over the weekend with such fantastic crowds here," said Kapur.

Jeev, won the Scottish Open in 2012, would be looking to better his performance of T-11 in 2011.

Lahiri will play the first two days with James Morrison and three-time Asia No. 1 Thongchai Jaidee, who has six European Tour wins, including two in Europe. Kapur will play with Thomas Pieters and Bradley Neil, while Jeev tees up with Brett Rumford and Scott Jamieson.

The field includes World No. 1 Rory McIlroy, besides six other Major champions.

Apart from McIlroy, the other Irish stars include Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell, all of them Major winners and Shane Lowry.