Jeev Milkha Singh terms 2006 as a dream run and it is no coincidence that his dream run also ensured a memorable year for Indian golf. Something which he is extremely proud of.
But after setting high standards, Singh has been unable to repeat his heroics in 2007, and has had an average return so far.
Still, he is looking forward to the rest of the season and wants to finish the year on a high note.
After a glorious run last year, you have had a mixed bag of results in the season so far. What do you put this down to?
It's always difficult to maintain a consistent run in any sport, especially golf, and I agree that the results haven't been too promising. But I have been working hard on my game to improve certain aspects and hopefully it should come good.
Golf as a sport has come a long way since you started playing. What needs to be done to make it even more popular?
I think the foundation is there for the game to become big. But we need to make an effort to encourage more people taking up the sport. Whatever the sport, it is important that we start at the grassroot level and then only can we be considered a sporting superpower.
You are considered to be the poster boy of Indian golf, someone who has made people sit up and take note of how the golfers are doing. Do such expectations bother you?
There is no extra pressure on me from that front. My aim is to do well each time I step on the green and obviously playing in the US and European tours puts a little pressure. But that's not due to the expectations of people. I have set high standards for myself and I need to maintain them.
Speaking of the US tour, how was the experience of playing at the US Masters?
It was a fabulous experience. There is so much history attached with the Masters and just to be a part of the whole thing was amazing. Although initially I did well, I couldn't maintain my form and finished 35th. But overall, competing with the best players in the world was a fantastic experience.
What are your goals for the coming season? Have you set a target for yourself?
I was ranked number 37 in the world in 2006 but my ranking has dropped into the 70s now (his current ranking is 77). So I want to improve on that and hopefully on my way I can notch up a few title wins as well.
