US Open SCOOP: Shiv’s interview

Shiv Kapur is ready to mix it with the best players in the world after completing a dream 36 holes in Surrey by getting through the qualifier for next month’s US Open. The brutal weather conditions and rain made the qualifying even more satisfying. Kapur who is now going to head to America earlier for practise, says Majors is the stuff you play golf for and it reinforces the belief in yourself and your game. This will be his third Major appearance and he is certain this is what he will aspire to do from now. Here’s an exclusive interview with golfingindian.com 

[Q] What are your first feelings about qualifying for the US Open? [/Q]

[A] This means a lot to me especially since I came so close to qualifying for the US Open in 2004. Ten years down my dream has come true and how. I have qualified after playing some tough golf in brutal conditions and cold and windy weather. Playing these 36 holes and making a comeback after the kind of golf I played at Wentworth at the BMW Championship, I am pleased with my performance. [/A]

[Q] Describe to us what were the weather conditions like and how much of a bigger struggle was this US Open qualifying? [/Q]

[A] I expected the worst but I realised how bad the weather was when I saw that the Irishmen and English were complaining about the wet cold conditions. It was a constant stop and start and later it was colder and rainy. However, all this made it all the more satisfying for me to qualify. When you can make it after playing in such conditions, it tells you, you are ready for the big stage. [/A]

[Q] How would you rate your game at this stage given the poor show at BMW Championship at Wentworth last week… Are you indeed ready for the big stage? [/Q]

[A] I had to keep myself positive and after these 36 holes I am indeed satisfied. I made only one or two bogies in these rounds. When you can make a solid comeback like this and go from a game like the one I displayed at Wentworth to get past a qualifying stage in brutal conditions, you know you are ready. [/A]

[Q] You spent a lot of your summer last year training with Alberto Binaghi…how much has your improvement-work over the past 12 months  helped you? [/Q]

[A] Binaghi of course was key to my game. I would have liked to see more of him. I will positively make an attempt to meet him before I go for the US Open. Last year I qualified for the British Open and was wonderful getting my card back. My swing coach James Gough has been key too. [/A]

[Q] So we expect you to begin preparations in earnest then? Any change in schedules? [/Q]

[A] Yes. I am leaving for Sweden tomorrow so that’s not changing but I will now skip the Austrian Open. In fact I plan to head to the United States a few weeks earlier to shed off the jet lag, get some practise rounds in. I might go to New York and play a bit and later arrive at Pinehurst a week before the US Open for practise. [/A]

[Q] What will you focus on during your practise? [/Q]

[A] In America, you need to really focus on driving straight and getting fairways. You cannot limp your way through a course like Pinehurst. So there is plenty of work to do. The greens for the US Open are often hard and fast and so I will need to work towards them. [/A]

[Q] You have qualified for three Majors – twice for the British Open and now the US Open…what do these tournaments teach you? [/Q]

[A] I learnt a lot from The Open last year. The initial lead and then slipping back, it all brings you valuable lessons. Going to play yet another Major makes you feel great and I believe in myself. [/A]

[Q] Who was the first person you spoke to after qualifying? [/Q]

[A] My dad. He was constantly calling after figuring out that I had made it. Then it was my sister and the rest of the family. Dean Jones tweeted about it. My manager and best friend Neeraj walked all 36 holes with me. [/A]

[Q] How are the benchmarks changing for you personally with every such qualification and opportunity? [/Q]

[A] The benchmarks are changing in a big way. My focus has shifted into what I think will be defining my golf and career as I go forward. With all due respect, it’s great to be on the European Tour and Asian Tour but when you look back at your career you really think of the Majors you have played. 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. [/A]

[Q] So we shall see more of you in the US now and after this it ought to be presence at The Masters? [/Q]

[A] Absolutely. That’s the plan. [/A]