Jeev Milkha Singh has set his sights on becoming the first Indian to win a US PGA Tour event after ending his most successful campaign as the Asian Tour’s number one player and with four global victories to his name.
The 37-year-old secured his second order of merit title on the back of a thrilling Singapore Open triumph in November and the world number 35 is targeting more victories as well as a place in the International Team for the Presidents Cup. ”I’ve won on every major international circuit except on the US PGA Tour,” Singh told reporters.
”That’s why my main goal is to win in the United States. I’ve got the game to win over there and it will all come down to the short game and mental set up.”
Singh’s Singapore win enabled him to become the first man on the Asian Tour to earn more than $1-million in a season, padding a bank account already bloated by two victories in Japan and another on the European Tour earlier in 2008.
The Indian enjoyed similar success in 2006 but struggled the following year and he is desperate to avoid another slump this season.
”In 2007, I got too result-oriented and raised my expectations. I think I’ve learned from that and I hope to not repeat it this year,” he added.
”It’s natural to get result-oriented after a great year but I’m going to have to keep reminding myself. I just want to give 100% and follow my process and routine.”
Singh opens his season at this week’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship on the European Tour before jetting off to the US for a string of high-profile events, culminating in the US Masters in April.
”My early season events will be to get myself ready again for the Masters,” said Singh, who finished tied for 25th in his second appearance at Augusta last year.
”I’m really looking forward to the four majors as the tough courses suit my style of play.
”Augusta National suits my eye really well. You require a lot of imagination out there and I like it. I’m looking forward to heading back there.”
Singh will also spend the season trying to earn a place in Greg Norman’s International Team to face the US in the Presidents Cup in October.
”It’s on my radar,” said Singh, who is currently 15th on the team rankings, five places off an automatic berth.
”I would like to play in it and become the first Indian to do so. That would be a great thing for Indian golf.” – Reuters