Ace Indian golfer Shiv Kapur has been on a winning spree ever since he won Jeev Milkha Singh's invitational event in December after a title drought of seven years. Professional success was even sweeter for the talented golfer when he graciously won the Kensville Challenge, a European Tour second tier event, in February.
Tremendous talent coupled with sheer strength is what this golfer is all about. Perhaps, there has been something unique about Kapur that sets him apart from rest of the golfers worldwide. Drawing comparisons with the likes of golfing legends like Tiger Woods is no mean task. One wonders that how he achieved so much in a short span of time
"I had come close so many times before but was pushing myself too hard. Winning gave me the confidence and the realization that you can make mistakes and still win," he said, smiling. "At Kensville, Andrew McArthur was making a run at me on the final day. In normal circumstances, I would have felt the pressure but I remained calm. I guess one win does it for you."
And presently he is aiming for a hat-trick at his favorite Delhi Golf Club, where he maintains that there is pressure of personal expectations. "I have been second, third but never won here so that is one box I would like to tick," said Shiv, a day before the $300,000 SAIL-SBI Open tees off. "It's like Sachin in Mumbai, he would like a ton there more than Mohali. I would also like to get my hundred here," stressed out the man who is always agile with cricket analogies.
Having rediscovered his 'swing spirit' last August along with coach Jamie Gough, he had often been in contention while not quite making the breakthrough until his memorable win in Noida.
He ensures that the enormous levels of confidence in his iron play that he displays quite prolifically will pay. "At DGC, it's all about hitting straight off the tee," the 31-year-old, who has also been busy hosting the Golf Premier League, stated the obvious. "Easier said than done, of course," he admitted.
Meanwhile, the situation is no different for other prominent golfers as well. Along with Shiv, Asian Tour champions like Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar, SSP Chowrasia and Jyoti Randhawa will also be seeking glory. Defending champion Lahiri, the first Indian to win the tournament, said, "I would like to be the second Indian to win it too."
The 25-year-old Bangalore-based pro swept aside the huge disappointment that followed in recent times for not qualifying for the British Open - Last year he got a hole-in-one in the Major. "It is a 36-hole event so it's vital to start well and I didn't. However, I have been playing well in the team events so I am not worried."
Anirban is also looking for his hat-trick on DGC's firm fairways. After following the age-old advice to not use a driver on this tree-lined course and tasting the fruit of patience two years ago, the young golfer has his plans already in place.
