Shiv Kapur is not new to playing golf in America. The Purdue University graduate spends a lot of his summers swinging on some of the best courses, fine-tuning his game. All for good reason. Kapur has qualified for the US Open this year at Chambers Bay, Washington State, which will be his second appearance at the Major on American soil after his stellar T23 finish last year. While this is great news, Kapur hasn’t been in great form, something the player alludes to, calling it a ‘funny season’ with patchy results. Golfingindian.com speaks with him about the upcoming Major, his confidence levels and short term plans.
Q. You have always said one plays golf for the Majors. What are you looking forward to most at Chambers Bay?
A. This means a lot. Playing in Majors is what you play for. That’s the true test of golf. When you look back at your career you really think of the Majors you have played. Playing the US Open again has brought me confidence. I think that will give me more satisfaction and drive to compete. Playing the Majors is my new focus and that’s what I want to work on. The rush, adrenalin is completely different when you play these big tournaments. And that’s the feeling for which I play golf.
Q. You will be joining fellow Indian you’re your friend Anirban Lahiri there. More Indians are now visible on global tournaments. How are impressions changing of Indian golfing talent?
A. Indians are playing well and are more visible. Back then people used to look for numbers, finding Indians in the field. Today we are serious contenders. And its not just that PGA Tour and other tours recognize this, but that this recognition comes from our fellow competitors. That’s what really matters.
Q. What are your plans for training ahead of the US Open. Any mental coaching with Bob Rotella?
A. I plan to go to the United States a week early so I can get an opportunity to play around there on a couple of courses that might be similar to Chambers Bay. I would also want to get over jet lag. I am definitely working with Rotella who helped me ‘think’ correctly on the course. Our sessions worked for me.
Q. How do you appraise your game at the moment?
A. I think its been a funny old season. Plenty of patches but yet few good sessions. Haven’t had the consistency I wanted to but felt encouraged enough to add to my game. This US Open qualifier was a perfect boost. No doubt there is lots of room for improvement. Hope to add consistency. I am looking forward to some of the tournaments. Like the French Open where the conditions tend to suit my game. I am also hoping to qualify for the British Open again (Qualifiers are held two weeks before unless player qualifies automatically due to previous scoring averages). Here I am getting a taste of what it is like to play well. That’s what excites me and make me work harder.
