New father Jeev chasing double joy

THREE-TIME European Tour winner Jeev Milkha Singh is seeking to double his joy by winning the Avantha Masters which tees off at the DLF Country and Golf Club on the outskirts of Delhi today.

Jeev, the top-ranked player in the fray at 59 in the world rankings, is on a personal high following the birth of his first child less than a fortnight ago.

One of Asia’s most decorated players, Jeev admitted his focus has been divided, but believes his tied-15th finish at the Dubai Desert Classic earlier this week would inspire confidence. “I’m going to try to win this week but I’m actually more excited about the baby,” Jeev said.

“I’ve spent more time in the hospital than on the golf course, but I’ve been working with my coach this week and I’m feeling good about my form.

“It’s always nice to win at home and I’ll go out there and do my best.”

The inaugural Avantha Masters, sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours and the Professional Golf Tour of India, features several players from the European tour such as Darren Clarke and David Howell.

They will be up against a strong local contingent, as well as China’s Liang Wen Chong, winner of the Indian Open here two years ago.

Liang, who had a fair season last year and who finished runner-up on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, is among the contenders for the title here.

“It’s always nice to return to the place that brought you fond memories,” he said.

“I hope I’ll leave here at the end of the week with sweet memories again.

“I’d like to get my season off to a good start. I had a top-25 finish at the Sony Open in the US back in January and I’m feeling good about my form.”

Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who finished fourth at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship last month, is ranked highest after Jeev.

The 7,250-yard, par-72 course is situated below the gently rolling Aravalli hills, but India’s Shiv Shankar Prasad Chowrasia, a massive success story on the Asian Tour in recent times, believes the course could prove tricky for the players from overseas.

“The Europeans may struggle with the tricky greens and with our regular experience on the course, it offers the perfect opportunity,” he said.

“Recent rains have made the course soft, so it will give everyone a chance to attack the flags.

“The only problem I see is that the greens are very grainy, but the home crowd is used to it and we must make most of the home advantage.”