Kapur tipped to go all the way

FORMER US Masters winner Fred Couples and veteran Australian Robert Allenby have predicted a bright future for India's Shiv Kapur after playing with him at the Johnnie Walker Classic.

Couples likened Kapur to British Open champion Justin Leonard and said he could well force his way onto the US PGA Tour in the near future.

"Shiv knows how to play golf. He's 23 and he's got his future ahead of him," said Couples, who finished the tournament one stroke ahead of Kapur and seven behind the winner Kevin Stadler of the United States.

"I like his temperament. He hits the ball really solid. He's not long, he's not short. He's like Justin Leonard. He is really, really good. I like the way he plays. I think he will do really well."

The 46-year-old said Kapur's destiny was in his own hands.

"If he wanted to, yeah, for sure," said Couples when asked if Kapur could eventually end up in the United States.

"He maybe needs to work on some trick shots. He has to develop some shots where he has to shape them. He's never really in trouble and I don't know how you can work on those shots.

"If you watch him swing, fundamentally, he hasn't got a problem hitting the ball. His short game is great around the green and he's a good bunker player."

Allenby, who last year won a unique treble of Australian tournament victories in the same year, also got an up-close view of Kapur in Perth and he too was impressed by what he saw.

"Shiv's a very good golfer, especially with the fact that he still very young," said Allenby.

"He's got a solid game, keeps the ball in play and is a good putter. He's long enough to play on the US PGA Tour and it's just a matter of whether he wants to play his way there.

"I'm pretty impressed with him."

The Indian shot to stardom in Asia after a meteoric rookie professional season on the Asian Tour last year.

He won the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia and claimed the rookie of the year honour.

"I've learned a lot. They (the top players) have fantastic short games. There is so much to learn from them, the way they manage their games and the composure," said Kapur.

"I think I missed just one fairway all week in Perth and I'm feeling good with my putting.

"I just need a few more to drop and I may be in contention, or win (in Malaysia)."