A relaxed and well-rested Jeev Milkha Singh, India's highest ranked golfer, at No. 34 in the world, begins his American journey this week (February 19-22). The 37-year-old Indian ace will begin his US PGA campaign with the $ 6.3 million Northern Trust Open in California.
"I will be playing six weeks in an eight-week period and be back after the Augusta Masters," said Jeev who plans to play 12 events in US this season. "I have a start in all the Majors and the WGC events and the Invitationals and I will get some other invites. Hopefully in these I shall be able to have good enough finishes to make my card and playing rights for the full PGA Tour in 2010."
Playing and doing well on the world's biggest and toughest Tour and achieving good results at the Majors is the goal of every professional. I am going all out to try and do that this year," said Jeev as he set off for the US.
Jeev this year has played only three events in the Middle East. "Cutting down events and focusing on US for the first few months has been my plan for 2009. I want to play 33 weeks or so and play well to get my ranking further up. I have enjoyed the Majors and I want to do well in them this season," he added.
"I had another break after Middle East and I worked on my fitness and also focused on yoga," added Jeev.
During a period of eight weeks in the United States, Jeev will tee off in six events, including two World Golf Championship events - the World Matchplay and WGC-CA Championships - and the Augusta Masters. The other events will be Northern Trust Open, Arnold Palmer invitational and the Shell Houston Open.
"I had a mixed start in the Middle East. I had two top-20 finishes in Qatar and Dubai. But the good thing I hit the ball well and got to the greens in regulation often enough to give myself birdie chances. But I did not hole many of those putts. I am not going to get worried as this is just the start," he added.
In the latter part of the season Jeev hopes to play six more events in US and some more in Europe and Asia. "Yes, I will play some in Europe and Asia, but the focus as I have been saying is going to be US," he concluded.
