India’s Shiv Kapur is determined to end a seven-year title drought at the Hero Indian Open, which he hails as a ‘fifth Major’, ahead of the tournament teeing off on Thursday. “As a kid growing up my dream was always to win my national open. Every golfer wants to win their national open as it is a fifth Major for them,” said Kapur, whose sole Asian Tour victory was in Thailand in 2005.
The 30-year-old, who finished fifth at the Macau Open last week, is currently ranked 10th on the Order of Merit.
“I think my consistency is better and I’m getting closer to winning. I’m disappointed I’m not able to win more. That plays on my mind but you realise you have to be patient,” he said.
“I’ll be sticking to what I’ve been doing and keep knocking on the door and hopefully it will open soon,” added Kapur, who had three top-five finishes on the Asian Tour this season.
However he will face stern challenges from the likes of an in-form Gaganjeet Bhullar, who won his fourth Asian Tour title last week, defending champion David Gleeson of Australia and Peter Hanson of Sweden, ranked 25th in the world.
The $1.25 million tournament will be played for the first time in the southern state of Karnataka. Kapur lauded the decision to move his national open to a new venue.
“I think it is good for the growth of the game. The sport is growing all over India. It is good for the national open to move around,” said Kapur.