Jeev Milkha Singh was the first Indian to break into the top 50 in world golf rankings and has played in each of the four majors. He is a pioneer in many ways for Indian golf. He was recently nominated for the Asian Tour’s Player of the Decade award, the winner to be announced on April 22. He spoke to Gaurav Kalra about his career and golf in India.
What does it feel like to be nominated for the Asian Player of the Decade award?
The Asian tour is where I started and built my confidence. The company I have been nominated with is fantastic. They have achieved a lot worldwide. As golfers, our job is to go out there and do the best, and with that comes this kind of recognition.
Golf in Asia has exploded over the past decade and we have seen a ripple effect in India. Would you agree?
Yes, for sure. I think Asian golf has improved in the past decade. Better players, better tournaments and bigger names come play with us. The ripple was obviously felt in India. There are so many young guys coming up and being on the tour helps them know what they have to work on to compete with Asian players and, then, in Europe and America.
You have won six times on the Asian tour, besides your wins in Europe and Japan. What next?
The most important thing is that I make a living of what I love doing. I am excited and nervous everyday I wake up to play a tournament. If I lose that nervousness, I will give up this game because I will feel nothing for it. Before my career is over I would like to win a major championship.
You are seen as a pioneer for golf from India—do you consider yourself to be the first to have really shown the world that India can produce world-class golfers?
It is very nice of my fellow professionals to think that, but my job is to go out there, give it the best and I try to be the best at the highest level. If they give me this respect, I’ll take it.
Having played and won in Asia, Europe and the US and having been at several majors, how do you think Indian golfers can take the leap into the elite league?
I think we need more public driving ranges and golf courses, better conditions in existing courses and more financial help for kids to follow their dreams. For instance, golf is part of the Olympics in 2016 and, although this has been known for many years, no plan has been put in place to ensure we do something.
You are 42 now, but age is not a factor in this game. What goals have you set for the near future?
I feel I have another five years in me. My first goal is to get back into the top 100, win tournaments and break into the top 50, which will give me a direct entry into the majors. I am going to go through qualifying for the US Open & British Open and give it a go at major championships.
You are only the second most successful sportsman in your family. Has it been hard to live up to the tag of being Milkha Singh’s son?
My father has been very supportive and positive. He has always told me you have to work hard and be determined. I have been fortunate to be born in a family like this, where I got the right guidance. I have to win a major title to match the achievements of Mr Milkha Singh.
The author is Senior Editor at ESPNCricinfo
What does it feel like to be nominated for the Asian Player of the Decade award?
The Asian tour is where I started and built my confidence. The company I have been nominated with is fantastic. They have achieved a lot worldwide. As golfers, our job is to go out there and do the best, and with that comes this kind of recognition.
Golf in Asia has exploded over the past decade and we have seen a ripple effect in India. Would you agree?
Yes, for sure. I think Asian golf has improved in the past decade. Better players, better tournaments and bigger names come play with us. The ripple was obviously felt in India. There are so many young guys coming up and being on the tour helps them know what they have to work on to compete with Asian players and, then, in Europe and America.
You have won six times on the Asian tour, besides your wins in Europe and Japan. What next?
The most important thing is that I make a living of what I love doing. I am excited and nervous everyday I wake up to play a tournament. If I lose that nervousness, I will give up this game because I will feel nothing for it. Before my career is over I would like to win a major championship.
You are seen as a pioneer for golf from India—do you consider yourself to be the first to have really shown the world that India can produce world-class golfers?
It is very nice of my fellow professionals to think that, but my job is to go out there, give it the best and I try to be the best at the highest level. If they give me this respect, I’ll take it.
Having played and won in Asia, Europe and the US and having been at several majors, how do you think Indian golfers can take the leap into the elite league?
I think we need more public driving ranges and golf courses, better conditions in existing courses and more financial help for kids to follow their dreams. For instance, golf is part of the Olympics in 2016 and, although this has been known for many years, no plan has been put in place to ensure we do something.
You are 42 now, but age is not a factor in this game. What goals have you set for the near future?
I feel I have another five years in me. My first goal is to get back into the top 100, win tournaments and break into the top 50, which will give me a direct entry into the majors. I am going to go through qualifying for the US Open & British Open and give it a go at major championships.
You are only the second most successful sportsman in your family. Has it been hard to live up to the tag of being Milkha Singh’s son?
My father has been very supportive and positive. He has always told me you have to work hard and be determined. I have been fortunate to be born in a family like this, where I got the right guidance. I have to win a major title to match the achievements of Mr Milkha Singh.
The author is Senior Editor at ESPNCricinfo
