Southport, England, 19-07-2017
KAPUR, LAHIRI SEEK GLORY AT ROYAL BIRKDALE
Here’s what the Indian duo of Shiv Kapur and Anirban Lahiri had to say ahead of the British Open:
Shiv Kapur
I’ve played this golf course in two completely different winds so you need to have two strategies rather than one. You learn how to combat weather when you play on links courses and most of the time the yardage books go out of play. It is a lot of feel, ball flight control and creativity. You need to use a lot of imagination.
This is my third Open and I’m comparing the course to my previous experience. It is a tough test but very fair at the same time. The trouble confronts you and there aren’t many blind shots.
You got to hit it straight off the tee. There’s a lot of premium to hit the fairways and once you do that you get a chance to eliminate mistakes. Around the greens are easier as compared to other Open courses but tee shots are demanding.
It all depends on the weather. If you get good weather then you have a chance to score and if you get a windy or rainy weather, it changes the course completely. I played Muirfield and I remember the weather got so hot and the greens were impossible. The fairways were probably faster than the greens so it made it very tricky. By the end of the week, it got cold and windy.
It has been a good year. In the first three months of the year and the end of last year I was really frustrated and the win in Chinese Taipei was the turning point for me. Since then, I’ve kicked on and luckily for me it wasn’t just one good week. I played well at the Thailand Open and in Europe. It is hard to set any scoring goals this week but I want to walk away from four rounds feeling like I played well and didn’t give away any shots.
Anirban Lahiri
I was keeping an eye on where my world ranking was and was doing my own research to see how far it has gone down the list. I was quietly confident so mentally I was prepared to play this week about a month ago. Tthat’s why I played in Scotland last week with the intention to play this week.
I think it is one of the best The Open tracks which I’ve played so far. As the conditions get tougher, it will be a real challenge. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m glad I played in Scotland last week and get some links golf under the belt.
I get more used to the style of golf. You got to hit more bumps and runs and it makes a lot of difference when the wind gets up and especially if it starts raining. It is an advantage having some experience and I’m feeling more comfortable and I don’t feel out of place.
It has been an up-and-down season. I’ve had lots of lulls with some bright sparks in there. I’ve not been very consistent, unlike how I usually play. I’m usually good at putting four good rounds together. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself earlier in the year.
It is my first year after keeping my card on the PGA Tour. I wanted to consolidate that and I wanted to get closer to winning my first event. I didn’t finish in the top-50 last year and I was trying really hard to get into Augusta. I was chasing a number of things and ended up putting a lot of pressure on myself.
In the last two or three months, I’ve taken it easy and try to enjoy my golf more. I’m playing better golf now. My confidence is really good.
I’m making a lot of birdies and I’m putting good numbers over 18 holes. I seem to have that odd round that I let it go. I got to be really focussed right through the week especially on the course like this. If you lose your focus or confidence, you can let it get away from you. I feel like I’m up for it.
Source: Asian Tour
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.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
Mobile: 9910974846
Email: media@pgtofindia.com
