‘The day I win the Masters I’ll overtake Dad’

Jeev Milkha Singh’s win at the Singapore Open made him the Asian Tour’s first single-season millionaire and also earned him the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit for the second time in three years. On a hot streak, the Indian golfer tells Mihir Vasavda that he wants to surpass his father, Milkha Singh’s achievements

It was a quite year for you. You dropped out of the top-50 and now you are back with a bang.
I’ve been playing well the entire season. I feel the golfing Gods have been kind to me during most of the crucial rounds, which has been the key. I have just done my best and things have fallen into place.

Chandigarh has given us two great achievers this year in you and Abhinav Bindra…
Both of us have grown up in the same place, so it really feels great. I feel it is the standard of facilities this city provides that helps produce sportsmen. Chandigarh is one of the best cities for sports because the facilities provided are easily accessible to everyone. All major sporting centres are well managed. We may have nice centres elsewhere but what is the use of having good infrastructure if you are not able to make proper use of it.

You have also won the Asian Order of Merit before in 2006. What makes it different this time?
I feel it’s always good to be first in anything you do in life. As I’ve said, this will help my ride into the Majors next year be smoother. It will also help to gain more recognition. It’s good to win it a second time.

India now has three golfers in top-five on the Asian Order of Merit, the other two being Arjun Atwal and SSP Chowrasia. Is Indian golf going through its best phase ever?
This just shows that our golfers have the potential to compete at the highest level. The fact that you are in the top-five shows that we are doing well. This is the fastest growing sport in our country and I feel parents should not stop a child if he or she wants to take up golf. There is money, recognition but most importantly sport helps you mature.

Achievements wise, how would you rate your father’s performance?
I feel I am coming close to matching my father’s achievements. He has done wonders in his sport, during his era. The day I win the Masters, I think I will overtake him, with regard to achievements.