The Hindu : Sport / Golf : I want to break into the top 50: Shiv Kapur

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I want to break into the top 50: Shiv Kapur

Special Correspondent

It is all about improving my game by one or two percent
Pleased with the way I am playing

NEW DELHI: Shiv Kapur knows only too well that he is yet to realise the potential he once portrayed as the 2002 Asian Games gold medallist. But the man is happy with the way his professional career has shaped up.

Back home for a week's rest ahead of playing three European Tour events — the Malaysian Open, China Open and the Ballentine's championship which is scheduled at Icheon, South Korea, from April 30 to May 2, Shiv Kapur reflected on his journey so far as a golfer.

“A lot of things have happened ahead of what I had planned. Within 18 months of turning pro (in 2004), I won the China Volvo Open. I faced a slump thereafter. I've still managed to keep my European Tour card for five years now.

Winning is everything

“Winning is everything in golf. And I understand that I could not win more. I've come close to winning in South Africa but lost in the playoff. I've have had strong finishes but could not do enough to do more,” admits Kapur.

“There is some kind of trend in golf where a lot of golfers do well in their early 20s and then in the mid-30s. Remember, Jeev (Milkha Singh) went through a similar phase (when he could not win after a promising start).

“I spoke to him about it. I know it is all about improving my game by one or two percent in every area,” he said.

Global player

“I want to be a global player and break into the top-50 in the world. I am happy that I could play at the highest level so early as a professional.

“At present, I am quite pleased with the way I am playing now. I would have loved to play in the ongoing Panasonic Open at my home course.

“But my trainer suggested I take a week's rest before the Malaysian Open. You need to be fresh to be playing in hot and humid conditions.”

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