ASIAN GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Ben Leong claims maiden victory PGA: Jeev and Wi tie for ninth Prom targets Thai win in Brunei Shin Ji-yai takes Women's British Open Asian Tour starts 2nd half on a high Norman to play 2009 Johnnie Walker Mission Hills to host AP Summit GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Paul Azinger names US wildcards Faldo chooses Casey and Poulter Havret gains wire to wire Gleneagles win Sluman clinches First Tee Open with closing 67 Fallout continues over LPGA "English" rule Poulter chooses high risk Ryder Cup strategy

India's newest golfing son aims to shine at Hoylake

Shiv Kapur, India's latest sensation, heads to his maiden British Open next week determined to sparkle in the company of title holder Tiger Woods and the world's best players.

The 24-year-old hopes to cap his meteoric rise with a strong debut at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England, 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."

Two years ago when Kapur was still an amateur, he had his first brush with major fame. 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 Indian, 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.

The son of a New Delhi stockbroker, Kapur's own stock has risen after 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.

Such is his growing stature that Kapur was 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.

The slightly built but tenacious Indian has also earned praises from the likes of former US Masters winner Fred Couples. "Shiv knows how to play golf," said Couples, who played with the Indian at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth earlier this year where Kapur tied for 12th.

"He's 24 and he's got his future ahead of him. I like his temperament. He hits the ball really solid. He's not long, he's not short. He's like Justin Leonard. I like the way he plays and I think he will do really well."

The comparison with Leonard will spur Kapur as Leonard is a former British Open champion but he is hoping to take the Phil Mickelson route to major success at Royal Liverpool.

Like the left-handed American star who makes pre-event visits to venues in preparation for his major assault, 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," said Kapur, who is playing in this week's Barclays Scottish Open on a sponsor's invite. "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."

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 and my good friend, Neeraj Sareen will most probably caddie for me.

"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. When I was growing up, I saw the likes of Zhang Lian-wei playing in the US Masters, followed by Thongchai Jaidee this year. These sort of things inspire me.

"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," added Kapur.

July 12, 2006