Shiv Kapur aiming for US PGA Tour Q-School next season

Kuala Lumpur, Feb 6 (UNI) After making his mark in the Asian and European Tour events, rising Indian star Shiv Kapur says he now wants to conquer the American shores and would be aiming to go to the US PGA Tour Qualifying School next season.

Here for the Maybank Malaysian Open this week, Shiv said though his immediate goal was to win an event on the European Tour but would be striving for consistent performance throughout to make himself eligible for the US Tour.

''My goal is to obviously win a tournament in Europe. I don't want to be in a hurry. I want to keep playing and I know that week will come around if I keep playing well. My other goal is to maybe go to Qualifying School for the US PGA Tour. That would mean playing well first. If I keep playing the way I'm playing, I'm going to look at the US Tour next year,'' Shiv said.

However, the Indian said his plans would depend upon his performance this year and if he fails to match his expectations, he might spend another year in the European Tour.

For the time being, Shiv returns to Saujana Golf and Country Club for the first time since his amateur days -- when he played in the 2002 Eisenhower Trophy. The Indian is dreaming of a unique double as he has previously won the Malaysian Amateur Championship in 2000.

Admitting that the course has become difficult since his last appearance, Shiv said it would be tough to cop with the changed landscape.

''The main difference is that there is a good amount of rough.

There's a big premium on hitting the fairways. Earlier, it wasn't such a tough course, it was always more on the greens which are tricky and undulating. They're tough to read. The added thing this year is that you have to hit the fairways as well. Once you hit the rough, you'll struggle to get it on the green,'' he explained.

However, Shiv said he is hoping to adapt fast and despite the changes, he still feels at home at the course here.

''I've got good memories of this golf course. Most importantly, you have good feelings and good vibes coming back to a place where you've played well in the past. In Malaysia, I always feel at home,'' he said.

Shiv, who had a good run at the Abu Dhabi Championship before stumbling in the final round, said he would aiming to take the positives from the event and come up with an imroved display here.

''I'm glad I put myself in a winning position in the first week of the season (at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship) and also in Qatar, in the first couple of rounds. I'm looking to try and carry that forward and to be in the hunt on Sunday afternoon and looking to pull it off,'' he said.

UNI