Jeev expects another happy year, hopes to be a Major contender

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 8 (UNI) After a dream season in 2006 Jeev Milkha Singh has set the bar higher for himself this year with a mission to firmly establish himself in the US Tour and be a Major contender.

The reigning Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit champion enters his 2007 campaign in buoyant mood following a breath-taking past 12 months where he won four times around the globe and moved up to 37th place on the Official World Golf Ranking.

With exemptions into the Majors and World Golf Championships plus a host of other invitations lined up, the tenacious Indian is looking to capitalise on the well-earned opportunities by making a name for himself in America.

''My main focus will be on the US Tour,'' said Jeev.

''I've got long-term exemptions in Europe, Asia and Japan. I've got a good opportunity with so many events in the pipeline this year and I have to take full advantage of it,'' he said.

And he has his plan ready for the Majors as well.

''I'm going to put emphasis on the Majors. I'll make sure that I play in tournaments leading up to a Major and don't just go straight into it. The Majors are always played on tougher courses but I will have to try and treat them like any other tournament.

''I would like to win one tournament on the US Tour and be in a comfortable position the following year, 2008 and go for a Major then,'' he added.

Flooded with accolades on his return to home, Jeev said, ''So many people have held dinners for me. I feel proud. It's an honour and I'm very happy. Coming back and getting this treatment, it's been excellent. That's what we work hard for, to get recognised,'' he said.

''Last year was a dream year. I had so many top-10s and wins, so hopefully I can build from that confidence. I'm going out there to play and maintain what worked for me in 2006. I'll try to keep to the same routine,'' he added.

''I'm going to keep concentrating on routine and process. I will also keep working on my mental side. I'm learning new yoga exercises and will continue doing a lot mental training. There's so much negativity around us that part of my training is to think about positive things, through reading especially.

''Part of my process includes playing the golf course mentally on my way to the club. I will close my eyes, think about every shot on every hole that I will have to play. This process takes about 10 to 15 minutes,'' he explained.

Jeev's victory at the co-sanctioned Volvo China Open last April ended a frustrating seven-year winless run and sparked a memorable season in which he also lifted the Volvo Masters in Spain beating Europe's biggest names, and secured back-to-back triumphs in Japan in November.

''Last year is over, I'm starting fresh again. I've got good tournaments but I don't want to pressure myself. I played 2006 as it came and I'll take the same route in 2007. I won't be result orientated,'' he said.

Jeev kicks off with three straight events in the Middle East, starting this month which includes the co-sanctioned Commercialbank Qatar Masters. The Maybank Malaysian Open may be on the cards in early February and then he's off to the US to pursue his American dream, which includes an historic appearance at the US Masters in April.

Jeev's exciting voyage will also see him take a crack at the lucrative WGC-Accenture Match Play, WGC-CA Championship and Arnold Palmer Invitational. He is hoping to gain other invites during his two-month stint before returning to Asia to defend his Volvo China Open crown in mid-April.

''I got my Masters invite in the mail during Christmas. It was the perfect Christmas gift. It read, 'Jeev Milkha Singh, you are invited to the Masters 2007' with the Chairman's name on it. I was thrilled,'' said Jeev, who will become the first Indian to play at the Masters.

The Indian also believes that his success would spark greater interests in the game in India and across Asia.

''The main thing is that the players playing well abroad can promote the game in our country. Hopefully this game gets the recognition. I would like to see more corporations being more involved in India and with the Asian Tour,'' said Jeev.

UNI