Manila, Nov 3 (IANS): Indian golf star Jeev Milkha Singh is looking forward to a winning debut at the $1 million Resorts World Manila Masters later this month when he returns to a country which holds fond memories for him.
The 42-year-old has committed to the full-field Asian Tour tournament at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club from Nov 20 to 23 where he will be seeking a seventh Asian Tour title.
The Philippines provided the backdrop for Jeev to stamp his mark in Asia as a young professional when he won the Philippine Classic and Asian Matchplay Championship back in 1995.
Those victories subsequently provided the cornerstone for the tenacious Indian to enjoy a highly successful career which includes two Asian Tour Order of Merit triumphs in 2006 and 2008, four wins in Japan and three on European soil.
"I’ve not been back to the Philippines for years and I’m looking forward to playing in the Resorts World Manila Masters," said Jeev, who is an Asian Tour Honourary Member.
“I remember those two wins which were early in my career. Obviously, the Philippines has been a good hunting ground and it has been fantastic for me. I love coming back to play in Asia. It’s given me a lot and I just love the Asian Tour and the camaraderie that we have on our Tour. It just feels like home to me.”
Jeev’s last victory came at the 2012 Scottish Open but he has since struggled with his game due to injuries to his finger and shoulder.
“I just want to get my confidence level up, that’s my main goal for the rest of the year,” said Singh.
“I’m much better, not 100 percent yet but I’m working on improving my driving which needs a lot of work. The more I play and the more I start to hit the driver more freely, the rest will come back,” said Jeev, whose father Milkha was a famous Olympic runner.
“I’m trying to get more still on the swing. With the injuries, I’ve started moving too much and I’m working to still myself and then take the club back.”
Jeev currently has a bone spur in his right shoulder, which according to his doctor, requires surgery but the Indian star has opted for alternative medicine to ease the pain.
"I’ve got a bone spur in the right rotator cuff and I need surgery. However, I’m avoiding and am taking homeopathic medication. If it doesn’t get better, I’ll get a cortisone injection shot in," he said.