Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) member Jeev Milkha Singh is all set to return to the prestigious Masters Tournament, starting next week at Augusta National Golf Club, with every intention of challenging for glory with his Masters assault.
The 2006 Asian Tour number one, the first Indian to feature in the Masters last year, admitted he was surprised to earn an invitation back to the year’s first Major. The Indian star is quite determined to repay the faith placed on him with a strong showing after altering his game plan a bit for this year’s event.
“It was a pleasant surprise. I never thought I would be invited back,” said Jeev. “I couldn’t have asked for a better invite in my life, I’ll always cherish this.”
Singh’s debut last year came courtesy of a magical 2006 season which saw him win four times across the globe to end the year in 37th place on the Official World Golf Ranking.
After the soaring highs of 2006, Singh gave himself an “average” assessment for his 2007 campaign but two runner-up finishes this year have already put him back on the right track.
“2007 was average but 2008 is going to be a good year. I’m playing well and I’m looking forward to it,” Jeev added.
Jeev started of well in the last year’s Augusta Masters and was joint 15th at the halfway stage but with further rounds of 78 and 79 on a tough and frosty weekend saw Singh finishing up his campaign in tied 37th position.
“I know the golf course now and it does suit my game. But you have to stay patient especially on the greens. I will have to follow my process and routine and see what comes my way.
“I’m going to play it differently this time. I’m going to hit more drivers and I have decided which holes I’m going to tee off with a driver and I’m looking forward to that,” he said.
He came close at the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open and Ballantine’s Championship in Korea recently, finishing second on both occasions. While Singh was disappointed with the outcome, he was never discouraged.
“Maybe, there’s something else bigger waiting for me,” said optimistic Singh.
DOWN THE MEMORY LANE
Jeev still gets goose bumps whenever he recalls his maiden visit to the Masters. “The atmosphere, the golf course and the crowds are fantastic … I can never forget that. It’s such a good atmosphere. The way the players are treated there, it’s different.”
“As a kid, I always dreamt of playing in the Masters and it’s my favourite Major championship. It’s fantastic driving up Magnolia Lane. It’s a great feeling,” Jeev added.
For a perfectionist who pays every attention to his routine and process, Singh has made it a point to stay in the same Indian-owned hotel in Augusta. “I’ll be at the same place, and will order some Indian food once in a while,” Jeev laughingly said.
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