Gurugram, 06-03-2018
Shiv Kapur looks to build on gains of 2017, sets sights on long-cherished dream of winning Indian Open
After enjoying the best season of his career in 2017 where he won three Asian Tour titles, Shiv Kapur has set his sights on his long-cherished dream of winning the Indian Open.
The 32-year-old Indian, who grew up in Delhi, tees it up this week at the 2018 edition of his National Open looking to build on what he achieved last year.
Kapur said, “To me, this is the most important tournament outside the Majors. Winning their National Open is the highlight of anyone’s career. For me, to be able to do it at a city where I grew up, with a title sponsor and golf club that has supported me in my career will be very special.
“Winning in India last year and getting the monkey off my back was nice. Now, I can free-wheel a bit more rather than having this pressure of not having won a tournament for a long time especially at home.
“My form is pretty good. I managed to put myself in contention in Singapore and Malaysia, but I didn’t get the job done in the weekend. I’m glad to be able to ride on the momentum of winning three times in 2017 into 2018. You have to keep expectations in check. My goal this year is to try to be a better golfer compared to last year. If I feel that I’m improving my game and contending regularly, my goals are achieved even if I have no wins.”
Talking about the challenges posed by the treacherous DLF Golf & Country Club course, Kapur felt it was a tough layout but not unfair.
Shiv said, “It’s a tough golf course here, but it’s not unfair. Some of the changes here (compared to last year) have actually made it easier when it comes to decision-making. For instance, at the 15th, this year, we won’t be able to aim for the green. We will all be laying-up at the same spot. Similarly, at the 17th, lengthening means you can’t aim to hit your ball to the other side of the fairway. Lengthening a golf course doesn’t always make it harder.
“I’m going to play more attacking this year, compared to last year. You tend to be defensive when you think that it is a tough golf course. If you attack the golf course, you may get a few bogeys, but you may get some birdies as well. If you play defensively, you hit a bunch of pars and if a big number hits you, it’ll be hard to recover.”
Kapur relishes the thought of bringing out his best this week as the Indian Open plays host to one of its strongest fields ever.
He said, “The field is fantastic. It’s good to see Indians being mentioned as contenders. There are plenty of young talents here. The international field is very strong as well, so the Indians will find it difficult to retain the title.”
Shiv went on to add a word of praise for India’s latest golfing star Shubhankar Sharma.
“The way Shubhankar handles himself, even when things aren’t going his way, is well beyond his years. His game is very well rounded and he has the temperament to back it up. His 62 in Malaysia is one of the best final rounds in history. The world is at his feet.”
Kapur also spoke about how fatherhood has given perspective to his life.
“After the birth of my daughter, my outlook in life has changed. Golf used to be my life. Now, it is part of my life. I would have driven straight to the club this morning after attending a wedding, but I opted to head home, just to see my daughter and then drive to the club. I practice more efficiently these days. And after seeing my daughter smile, it doesn’t matter if I had a bad day.”
About PGTI:
Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Kapil Dev (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
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