Taking a step closer to his ambition

DESPITE PERFORMING so well in the recent past, Chiranjeev Milkha Singh is feeling edgy about the future. But he has every reason to be in such a state of mind. Chiranjeev is set to compete in a PGA Tour event, The International, for the first time in his career, where he is expected to participate along with Tiger Woods, the British Open winner David Duval, defending champion Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia. The tournament is scheduled to be held at Castle Rock in Colorado from August 2 to 5.

``I have always dreamt of playing on the PGA Tour and I am excited about my chances,'' says Chiranjeev. Such a moment is rare in Indian golf as Chiranjeev will be only the second Indian to take part in the PGA Tour. Five years ago, Arjun Atwal had earned the same distinction.

When the 29-year-old received an invitation to compete in The International, it was an apt reward for his exceptional performances this season. For someone, who was troubled by a wrist injury in the previous season, what Chiranjeev managed on the Japanese Tour, was creditable. Considering the fact that he had to come through the qualifying phase to become the first Indian to make it to the Japanese Tour, his four top-four finishes are laudable.

But then, Chiranjeev has always been the one who had set new standards for his fellow golfers in the country. With novelties such as first Indian to win outside the country, to compete on the European Tour and break into the 200 world rankings, Chiranjeev has always been the trendsetter. He is currently seventh in the Unisys Points Tally on the Japanese PGA Tour.One aspect, where Chiranjeev has made rapid strides is his short game. In the Dubai Desert Classic, which also contributed for his invitation, Chiranjeev took only 94 putts as he finished sixth. Kenny Knox of the U.S. holds the world record for his 93 putts in four rounds.

While training Chiranjeev took time from his hectic schedule and spoke to The Hindu. Excerpts from the interview:

Question: How are you feeling about participating in the International?

Answer: I think it is a great honour for me to receive the invitation to The International and I am looking forward to the challenge of teeing off with some of the best names in golf. I have always dreamt of playing on the PGA Tour and am excited about my chances. I think it brings me one step closer to my ultimate ambition to play on the PGA Tour. The last few weeks have really given a huge boost to my confidence.

Finishing among the top-four in three successive tourneys in the Japanese PGA Tour is a good performance, though I would have liked to win at least one of them, I am satisfied with the way I have competed.

Q: How did you train for your wrist? (Chiranjeev had a wrist injury in the previous season)

A: Since my wrist was in a cast for almost two months, the lack of movement had also damaged the wrist and created its own problems. Once the cartilage healed, it was more a question of using my wrist for a whole load of work and yet not overworking.

I was given a set of muscle-rejuvenating exercises, which would strengthen the muscles around the wrist, and this had to be cautiously mixed while doing all kinds of activities. I used heat compression and ice treatment extensively during this period.

Q: Did the injury bother you while playing at any stage?

A: Yes, it did bother me while playing, especially when the temperature dropped. It was a bit of a problem while playing the first few events on the Japanese Tour. For example, it was so cold during the season-opening Token Cup that I had to wear my skiing gloves in between the shots.

Q: How was it to finish second in Iiyama Cup? Your impressions of the Japan tour?

A: I feel very good. My play in Japan as of late has helped to build my confidence, the only thing lacking was a win - which will come with time.

Finishing second in Iiyama Cup would have hurt if the difference between me and the winner was one or two strokes. But Miyamoto played sublime golf on the final day in almost hurricane like situation. I think he deserved to win. I was disappointed, but not because I finished second, but because I should have played better on the final day. If Miyamoto could shoot three-under, I should have at least played to par.

Q: Which aspect of your game really pleased you?

A: My mental attitude on the course. I am really pleased with the way I am thinking. No longer am I entertaining negative thoughts. I visualise positive outcome of every shot I hit. But if you are asking about my game, I think it is on the green. I am putting much better than I ever did in my career. Those days of recuperation, when I could only putt and hit short irons with my left hand, seems to have paid off. As the elders say, something good does come out of even the darkest of moments.

Q: Despite playing so well, you missed the British Open...

A: Yes, it was a disappointment to miss the British Open. I was pretty close to qualify through the Loch Lomond and in Japan. I actually missed it by two strokes at the Loch Lomond. I would have been in had I finished five-under instead of three-under at Bonnie Banks (Loch Lomond).

I think I should have got a chance through the qualifier, but I made the decision of playing the Loch Lomond and trying to qualify through that. There were two options of playing the qualifying round or through Loch Lomond. I took the second route knowingly and hence I have no qualms about my decision.

Q: What are your future plans? Do you intend to play in India this year?

A: As of now, I have only planned for the next three months.... I will continue to split my time on both the European and Japanese tours throughout the remainder of the season. I will play a few events on the Asian PGA Tour during the end of the season and I might play a few in India during that time.

RITESH GUPTA

New Delhi

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