Golf in India has changed, and for the better: Jeev

Leaning back in his chair, Jeev Milkha Singh takes off his sunglasses and comes straight into the chat mode.

Leaning back in his chair, Jeev Milkha Singh takes off his sunglasses and comes straight into the chat mode. “Buddy, I am jet- lagged,” he says, “but it feels great to be back home. Chandigarh always reminds me of my childhood but I will be here for 2-3 days only.” Back after the Mercedes Cup where he had a tied 16th spot after ending up tied 31st at the Omega European Mastersat Crans-Sun-Sierre (Switzerland), Jeev is now eyeing the Dunhill Open where he will be playing alongside the like of Michael Jordon and Michael Douglas, before playing in the Indian Open. In an exclusive chat with The Indian Express, Jeev spoke about his plans for the future, views about the golf scenario in India and his experience at the US Open and the Masters.

Excerpts:

How was the experience at the Masters and the US Open?

•It was great. I was playing for the first time in the Masters and playing with the likes of Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Adam Scott. It always motivates you to put up your best performance. I was in fine run except on the last day. I think I will be able to continue my good run in the coming season also. For the third time, I played the US Open and I think that the conditions suit me well.

Last year you won the Asian Order of

Merit. Can we expect a similar performance this year?

•Last year was a dream run for me. This time though I did not play that much on the Asian Tour and have played only four tournaments. I am concentrating more on the European Tour and hope my performance their will help me improve my game further.

Your form saw a slump this year, your world ranking going down to 74th from 37th last year. What are the reasons?

•I have not been performing as well as I did last year. But I am hoping to pick my form in the coming months. I will be playing in the Dunhill Open in Scotland from Monday and after that I come to India for the Indian Open. After the Indian Open, I will be playing the Portugal Masters and then some tournaments in Europe.

You will be defending three titles this year — Volvo Masters, Casio World Open and Nippon Open. What are your preparations for these tournaments?

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•All the three tournaments are at the end of the season and I think the European Tour will provide me sufficient momentum to defend these titles. Japan has always proved to be lucky for me and I don’t think it will be any different this time.

India have quite an action packed season with the Indian Open, the Johnnie Walker series and the EPGA Tour. Do you think Indian golf has arrived on the world scene?

•I think so. The scene has changed and for the better. Such events will prove to be a great boost for Indian golf as well. A lot of golfers like Ernie Els and Adam Scott are coming to play in the EPGA Tour in February and I think this will motivate young guys a lot. Also it will give a chance to a lot of golf players to play alongside the world’s best.