Anirban Lahiri says a well-known Indian restaurant in Sydney will help him overcome jet-lag as he looks to get his debut Australian Open back on track.
The 31-year-old from India signed for a one-over 73 on day one at The Lakes to sit six shots off clubhouse leader Byeong Hun An (67), with local Matt Jager (68) a shot back at four under.
Lahiri was one of several Open contestants who made the 14,000km dash from last week's US PGA Tour event in Mexico to Sydney - arriving on Wednesday.
Lahiri made the turn in one under par, but seemed to hit the wall when carding two back-nine bogeys and a three-putt double-bogey on his last hole.
"It was hard to stay awake last night but I feel fine," Lahiri said.
Lahiri, whose globetrotting path to the US Tour included playing on the European and Asian circuits, said Indian cuisine always helped him settle in to a city during golf tournaments.
The world No.131 has set his sights on Surjit's restaurant in Sydney's inner west, a popular haunt for the Indian Test cricket side when playing matches at the SCG.
"I will probably grab some Indian food this evening and feel even better (about jet-lag) tonight," he said.
"I've been vegetarian for the last four months, so it's easier for me to find fresh, hot options when eating Indian food.
"Even in the US, there are certain cities that have big Indian populations and good food."
Australian Associated Press
