New Delhi: In the last one year, Shiv Kapur has been at the peak of his powers. Despite ocassions when he was laid low by poor form — he lost his European Tour card — he found a much-needed “shot in the arm” through the British Open last July. He, in fact, led the stellar field at Muirfield on the opening day.
The ace golfer, who has two wins last season including the Dubai Festival City Challenge that ensured him an European Tour card, is now gearing up to start 2014 at the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship.
Kapur said he was targetting a win early in the year to set the temp for the season. “My target this year will to to win on the European Tour. Once I do that, I can concentrate on the Majors. I will look to try and contend in more Major championships. Also, I am aiming to improve my world rankings, try to get into the top-50,” Shiv said here on Monday.
“But more than that, I will try to be a better player than 2013 which I believe will take care my goals this season,” said the Delhi golfer, who along with top woman golfer Sharmila Nicole-tt, was names brand ambassador of the Marriott Group of Hotels India here. “I am also targetting to play on the PGA Tour post July.”
The golfer had recently worked on his short game. In fact, he was being assisted by veteran Gaurav Ghei.
“I felt that was one area in my game that was not world-class. It let me down in a few ocassions. There is always room for improvement. I also feel if I can improve my pitching and chipping at least 10 per cent I will have more winning chances.”
However, Kapur, the 2002 Asian Games gold medallist, felt that money in the sport might have lured amateurs to turn pro too early. “There is lot of talent in India, but the mistake they make is that they are all in a hurry to turn pros. So they don’t get a represent their country in events like Asian Games. I think if they can be patient enough and wait, India will have a really good chance.”
