India's Shiv Kapur wrapped up his pro debut in style at the Tianjin TEDA Open Presented by Rolls-Royce on Sunday but knows the road ahead is long and windy.
The 22-year-old rookie, gold medallist in the 2002 Asian Games, shot a final round one-under-par 70 to finish the tournament on two-under-par 272. After turning in three over, he romped home in 32, which brought about a big smile to his face.
"I'm happy. I got off to a rough start earlier this week but to shoot under par everyday after that is pleasing," said Kapur, who carded earlier rounds of 73, 69 and 70.
"I played well over my last nine holes and that leaves a good taste in my mouth. Shooting a 32 on a windy day was good. I've got mixed feelings, happy that I played all four days but I know there is room for improvement.
"I've taken a lot of positives from this week. I played well in stretches and I've got a taste of what pro golf is really is. It is very different from amateur golf," said Kapur.
Kapur added that playing for prize money was a lot more challenging than his amateur days, where he attended college at the Purdue University in the United States.
"It's tough out here. The Asian Tour standard is really good. I've played in some qualifying events on the US PGA Tour and US Open qualifying and I'd say we're right there.
"When I played in the practice round this week, I thought this was a pretty tough golf course but the guys went out there in the first two days and gave it quite a good treatment.
"Playing as a pro is mentally a lot more tiring and every shot costs you money. That's the attitude you've got to go in with. I hung in there in the end. Very often in amateur golf, when you're not in contention, you sometimes let it slip. But in pro golf, every shot matters. I had to grind it out and I was pleased with my finish," said Kapur.
Kapur reeled in four birdies on a trot from the 10th hole before finishing with a birdie on the 17th hole and a bogey on the 18th. He has already written for more sponsor's exemptions on the Asian Tour but has not received confirmation on any yet.
"I need to up my game a little bit. I'm two under for the week and I need to make it two shots better every day. It's not very hard to do and I know there is a lot of room for improvement," said Kapur, who was a two-time All American.
