June 16, 2014. Shiv Kapur’s T23 finish at the US Open was certainly the Indian golfer’s dream debut. He played with poise and patience and got accolades for his game and attitude in America. He teed off to cheers from the galleries for all his effort in the game finally paid off as he ended the tournament in the mix ahead of Phil Mickelson and other golf great. With his father by his side, Kapur got the emotional support all through the event.
Kapur’s dad Ravi comes back a proud dad. “I think Shiv played like a champion. He kept his cool despite a bad start under very testing conditions and brutal pin positions. He took on the best in the world and demolished many reputations. A great Father’s Day present for me.”
The Indian who was playing his maiden Major on American soil was six over par 286. With this he records the best ever finish by an Indian at the US Open. He’s just the third player born in India to play in the U.S. Open, joining Jeev Milkha Singh and Arjun Atwal. Singh finished 37th in 2007. Kapur wraps this week with many special moments, new experiences and plenty of spotlights in America.
The fourth round started with a bump as Kapur was setback with two bogeys on the par fours. He made pars on 3rd, 4th and 5th before he slipped further with another bogey the par three 6th hole. Some birdie-relief only came through in the back nine and Kapur bagged those opportunities to infuse confidence back into his game. “The course conditions are really tough and one has to be imaginative with it. With pin positions promising to be tougher for the final two days, patience would be key,” Kapur had said before entering the final round.
This tournament was a dream come true for the Indian golfer who had been very close to qualifying in 2004. Ten years down he got into the tournament through the qualifying in Surrey in some tough weather conditions. “You play to get into the Majors,” Kapur said.
