In company of Woods, Shiv Kapur hopes to remain level-headed

Liverpool, July 12 (UNI) The prospect of rubbing shoulders with the likes of Tiger Woods in a major can be unnerving for any 24-year-old but Shiv Kapur assures he won't be overawed by the occasion when he tees off in his maiden British Open next week.

The exciting Indian talent hopes to cap his meteoric rise with a strong debut at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake here less than two years after joining the professional rank.

''It's very special to have the opportunity to play in The Open,'' said the Asian Tour stalwart.

''Being only 24 and qualifying for a major is a big deal for me.

All my life, I've been waiting for this,'' he revealed.

Two years ago and then still an amateur, Kapur had his first brush with major fame, which was a so-near-yet-so-far affair. He earned first alternate status at the US Open through sectional qualifying but waited in vain at Shinnecock Hills as there was no withdrawal in the first round.

''When I was there, I said to myself that this was what golf is all about - to be a part of a major championship,'' said Kapur, currently 15th on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit.

''I was actually hoping for someone to break their hand or get injured! I waited patiently for a start but I never got in.

''But now that I have qualified for a major, I have to go out and play well. I want to prove to myself that I can compete against the best players in the world,'' added the youngster, who earned his Open slot after finishing third in the Asian International Final Qualifying in Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore in April.

An accomplished amateur golfer, Kapur honed his raw talents through the college system in the United States where he went against his parents' wishes to study at Purdue University ''because it had a better golf programme'' instead Harvard University.

He displayed his potential by winning the Asian Games individual gold medal in Korea in 2002 but resisted turning professional as he stayed the course with his management studies. It was only in late 2004 that Kapur took the plunge into the professional game following his graduation.

Kapur so far has had a strong Asian Tour rookie season last year.

He chalked up six top-10s, won the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia in Bangkok and finished fourth on the Order of Merit which also earned him Rookie of the Year honours.

His growing stature saw Kapur being signed up by UK-based International Sports Management (ISM), the same company that charts the careers of Ernie Els, Lee Westwood, David Howell and Darren Clarke.

Likened to Justine Leonard by former US Masters winner Fred Couples, Kapur played two practice rounds several weeks ago at Royal Liverpool, which last hosted The Open in 1967.

''It was a useful trip as I plotted out what I need to do at The Open. I didn't want to have to figure out the golf course when I got to the Open. This way, I can reassert what I need to do when I get there and work on the shots I need to hit,'' he explained.

Like most Open venues, pot bunkers, windy conditions, ankle deep rough and firm greens await the world's best and Kapur believes his straight-hitting game could nullify the trouble that surrounds Royal Liverpool.

''Course management will play a huge part. I like to think that it suits my type of game,'' said Kapur, who joins Gaurav Ghei, Arjun Atwal and Jyoti Randhawa as the only Indians to play in The Open over the past decade.

''I will go out with the attitude to have fun. It's my first major, and I'm sure it'll be great being there. I feel my game is good and I'll soak in the atmosphere. My parents will be at the Open...

''I have always looked at myself as an ambassador for India and Asia. Golf here is on the upswing and if we go out and do well, it bodes well for our Tour and the future of the game...I think the world recognises our strength. But we have to back it up with performances as it'll bring more respect to our Tour,'' he added.

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