Jeev itching to tee off at Hero Honda Indian Open

New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI) Ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh cannot wait to show his exploits in front of home crowd after a gap of four years when he tees off at the Hero Honda Indian Open this month.

Jeev, who was instrumental in taking Indian golf to new a new high, said he was geared up to pocket a title in India, something which he has not done since he turned pro.

''I have won events all over in Asia, Europe and Japan, but what I would love to do most is win an Indian Open in India. Nothing will be more sweeter than that,'' said Jeev who returns to India to tee off in October 11-14 tournament at Delhi Golf Course.

''Frankly I have always wanted to do well at the Delhi Golf Club.

But have never really managed to win. I came pretty close in 1998, when I was second at the Hero Honda Masters, so maybe with the same sponsor for Indian Open, I can do better.

''It has just been that my schedules have been such that have meant I have been playing other events when Asian Tour events have happened in India,'' said Jeev from St. Andrews, Scotland, where he is currently playing at Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

''I am hoping to play more events in India in the future. The Hero Honda Indian Open works out perfectly for my schedule.'' Jeev, who won four titles and finished on top of the UBS Asian Tour Order of Merit last year while rising to number 37 in the world, has this season been playing mostly on the European and US Tours Tours besides making an appearance in all four Majors.

''The Majors were a great experience and in particular I was proud of the way I played at the Masters and the US Open,'' said the Chandigarh pro.

Talking of his 2007 season, Jeev was candid to admit that it has not been as great as 2006.

''Last year was a dream one for me. Winning four tournaments was a dream. It was not just winning, but I was in contention in another half a dozen events and was among top-10 frequently. This year, I would rate my performance this time as 'ok','' he said.

This year, Jeev has not played in Asia since the Clariden Leu Singapore Masters in February.

The tournament at Alfred Dunhill Links is not just the golfers, but also Hollywood celebrities like Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, both keen golfers, who turn up at the first tee.

Jeev is highly optimistic of the health of Indian golf.

''It is a very exciting time for Indian golf. From a tournament with a modest purse, the Indian Open has grown into a half a million dollar event. Then there are lots of new players coming up and I am sure we will see a few more exciting faces at the Hero Honda Indian Open. Also new courses are coming all over. All in all, with so much happening, it is no surprise that every one wants to come to India.'' After the Hero Honda Indian Open, Jeev will head back to Europe to defend his Volvo Masters of Europe title and then he will play in Japan.

''I also have two titles to defend in Japan, he says remembering fondly how he won back to back on two successive weeks in Japan.'' UNI