Jeev eyes Masters return ticket

India's Jeev Milkha Singh current goal is to get the return ticket of next year Masters to complete the hat trick of participation in the prestigious Augusta National Tournament.

PGTI member Jeev battled his way in the third round on Saturday to card an even-par 72. He fired three birdies against an equal number of bogeys on a chilly drizzling day at Augusta National to card a three-day total of one-over-par 217 to remain at tied 23rd position.

Jeev now trails the current leader Trevor Immelman (eleven under 205) of South Africa by twelve strokes.

Only the top-16 finishers and ties gets a guaranteed return trip to Augusta National next year, the 36-year-old said it will be his goal to finish with an under-par final round.

"If I can shoot in the red in the final round, I hope it gets me in the top-16. That would be great if I can do that," said optimistic Jeev.

Jeev continued to show his liking for the challenging Augusta National, playing alongside reigning US Open champion Angel Cabrera, layout with another masterful performance and outscored his playing partner by one.

Jeev, who finished tied 37th in his Masters debut last year, turned in 35 with birdies on the second and seventh holes, courtesy of putts from eight and 20 feet respectively, against a dropped shot on the fourth.

However, disappointed Jeev had to come home in one-over with bogeys on the 11th and 14th spoiling his card. Jeev also missed several birdies on the lightning quick greens.

"It could have been a better round. I had a few birdie chances out there and let them go. I put myself in a good position after the 13th where I was one under. Then I hit a good drive on 14 and hit a bad iron shot. That bogey was not needed," Jeev said after the day’s play.

"I'm not getting any momentum. I make a birdie and then I'm letting it go. I can only try and I just feel I have to stay patient out there and be smart and aggressive in a way too.

With each passing round at Augusta National, Jeev said he was coming to grips with the course. "Last year I learnt a lot. I feel I can manage myself really well on the course. It suits my game and sets up for me. You have to be patient and have good management.

"It's mentally more tiring than physically. You have to be sharp all the time. You get bad breaks and you can lose it. If you lose it, it'll bite you. It takes quite a bit out of you. It's my favourite major and hopefully I can improve on this and come back."