Jeev Milkha Singh won his fourth title of the year and second in as many weeks by clinching the Nippon Series golf tournament on Sunday.
TOKYO: Jeev Milkha Singh capped a spectacular season when he won his fourth title of the year and second in as many weeks by clinching the season-ending Nippon Series JT Cup golf tournament here on Sunday. The win, which fetched Jeev a cheque of 30 million Yen, also helped him jump into the top 50 of world golf rankings besides ensuring a place in the prestigious Augusta Masters next April.
Jeev shot an even par 70 on the final day to finish with a score of 11-under 269, one shot clear of fast-approaching Nobuhiro Masuda. The Indian needed to hole a tense 10-footer to ensure he avoided a play-off and won in regulation.
“I am happy the way I have managed to keep myself going in tense situations. I have followed my routine and done the right things and I have been patient,” said Jeev, whose ranking should be somewhere in the 40s when it is announced on Monday. Jeev also finished a career-best third on the Japan Money List, which was topped by home hope Shingo Katayama.
This year Jeev has been first in Asia, third in Japan and 16th in Europe. He has had four titles and a total of 18 top-10 finishes around the world. His climb in world rankings has been the most remarkable in the world, from 376th to inside top 50.
“I cannot describe the feeling of elation that I am going through. It has been a dream season from the time I started, way back in January. Four titles on three different Tours, topping the UBS Asian Tour Order of Merit and winning twice in Japan and the Volvo Masters of Europe... it’s going to take some time to sink in,” he said after the win.
Jeev will now be a starter at all Majors including the Masters, where no Indian has teed up before and the British Open, where he narrowly missed an entry last year. The Indian pro, whose performance is the best by any golfer in a season barring Tiger Woods, was the first to play and make the cut at the US Open in 2002. He also played in 2006. “I am tired, but there’s still one more event to go (Volvo Masters of Asia). Then I will rest for a while,” added Jeev.
Sporting a big smile that has made him one of the most popular golfers in Japan and around the world, Jeev’s amazing run started with the Volvo China Open in April.
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