Shiv Kapur slides to T46 in Morocco

Report by Anand Datla

March 30, 2015: Shiv Kapur inspired hopes of a top ten finish with a terrific effort on Saturday. But those hopes came crashing down when the Indian slipped to a 3-over 75 in the final round. Kapur finished the tournament at 1-under 287 in a four way tie for 46th place. The 260th ranked golfer earned 7,500 Euros for his work in Morocco this week. Richie Ramsay recovered from dropping four shots in the space of two holes to claim a dramatic one shot victory at the Trophee Hassan II in Morocco.

The Scot had looked on course for a third European Tour title when he birdied four holes in a row from the third to race clear at Golf du Palais Royal, but after a bogey on the seventh duffed two chips at the short eighth en route to a triple bogey six. A brilliant tee shot to a couple of feet at the 12th started his recovery, and he birdied the 13th and 14th as well for a three under par 69 and ten under total.

That left Romain Wattel needing to pick up two shots over the closing two holes – he had chipped in for par on the 15th to keep his hopes alive – but after birdieing the 17th the Frenchman failed to find the 18th green in two and had to settle for second on nine under after a closing 70.

Ramsay, who won at Leopard Creek in South Africa at the start of the 2010 season and picked up a second title in Switzerland three years ago, had not picked up a single cheque this season before his win, having missed four cuts out of five and withdrawn injured when he made the weekend in Dubai.

And the 31 year old was quick to thank those closest to him after an incredible change in fortunes. “It means a huge amount,” he added. “I just want to say to my brother and my wife Angela at home. My brother has supported me since I was young so this is for him and for Angela.”

Back to Kapur – Bogeys at the second, sixth and eighth saw the Indian golfer squander his position inside the top twenty midway through the final round. Having made the turn in 39 shots, Kapur had his task cut out as he sought to repair the damage.

He kindled his aspirations with a birdie at the 10th hole and another at the 16th to go three under with only the final hole left to play. That would have given him a top 30 finish, but a double bogey at the final hole saw him drop back to one under. Kapur’s 72-73-67-76 means that his best finish this season remains the T11 he achieved at the Thailand Classic in February.