Jeev Milkha Singh

JEEV MILKHA SINGH

The Right Swing

He won four Asian titles between 1996 and 1999 and became the first Indian to qualify for the European tour and as India's best golfer he is moving from strength to strength. The highest ranked Indian golfer, Jeev who broke into top 100 in the year 2006, has moved from a European ranking of 104 to 36— the first Indian ever to do so in a very short span of time.

For icon sons it's often been a Hobson's choice. A one-way road to whatever they want to be. Just single pair of shoes at the start of the road for them to slip into, usually belonging to their fathers. Many accept this as predestined and pick up their father's tracks.

Others like Jeev Milkha Singh carve a niche to their own way and try to match up to the caliber of their fathers. But here, Jeev has had two people to match up to — his father, the great Milkha Singh known as 'the flying sikh' and his mother, Nirmal Kaur who too was the former captain of the Indian volleyball team.

Glimpse writer Munish Dhiman meets Jeev Milkha Singh, the Indian who represents India in golf, while his quick halt at Chandigarh before moving to Thailand for another tour. After achieving great heights, success and even after becoming an idol of many at the age of 34, this sikh is really down to earth. He entered the Golf range like any other ordinary man —very calm; just like the guy next door and said, "Please help yourself and have something to eat first. We'll have the conversation in a while let me free the photographer first."

When did the golf bug bite you?

I don't precisely remember! It must have been when I was around nine or ten. My father used to take me to the golf courses and I would pull his trolley and play few shots. It was then only when I seriously got attracted to the game. I feel fortunate to be born in a city like Chandigarh. And probably that's one of the reasons why I am into golf now.

Who do you attribute part of your success in golf to? Your father or your mother!

To both of them, of course! It has been a big advantage being their son. Everyone knows my father, the 'Flying Sikh' of the sixties. But there may be many who would not know that my mother Nirmal Kaur too is the former captain of the Indian volleyball team. Thus a sporting career came unsurprisingly to me. I could say that I was born in a family, which respired and dreamt only of sports.

How come you never opted for any other game?

I wanted to play a game that I could keep playing till the age of 60 or 70. No other sport except golf allows you such luxury. An athlete's career is usually over before he is 30 or 35. So, from the very beginning I had decided that golf was going to be the right game for me.

You didn’t follow your father’s footsteps; wasn’t he disappointed?

No, on the contrary he was elated when he heard I wanted to play golf. In fact he was so supportive of my decision that he would take me daily to the practice sessions which gradually started extending for hours but he always stood by me like a rock an appreciated my every stroke.

Did he give you any advice before you ventured into Golf?

Yes, only one. He said, "I am happy with your decision as long as you aspire to excel in the game." I can never forget his words... "Let not people say you are Milkha's son. Let them say I am Jeev's father." Can anyone aspire for more in terms of motivation?

Who's been the biggest support in your life?

My dad has been my biggest support. He always stood by my side what come may. Apart from him, my mother, my sister, my friends and my fans and after my marriage my wife too provided a lot of support to me. My entire family had been supportive ever since I started playing.

You were named Indian Sportsman of the year 2006. What did you undergo?

I was shocked rather being surprised! That prize almost every time goes to some cricketer or hockey player. And for me, winning it as a golfer was implausible.

You have also been awarded with the ‘Padma Shri’ in 2007. How do you feel about it?

It was like another shock for me. I had never dreamt of getting the prestigious award but I really feel privileged that I was decorated with this award which is equivalent of the knighthood in Britain.

You made the statement 'Winning doesn't come cheaply ... you have to pay a big price', can you put some light on it?

Life's just like one of a suitcase. Each week there's a different control; win never come easily. There are more no's than yes. You stay away from your family in far off places and sometimes you need them and you feel helpless. That's the price you pay.

What do you feel about the future of golf in India?

I feel it is the fastest growing sport in India. Golf is becoming very popular in Asia. A few years back there was no organised tour in Asia. But now with the Asian PGA tour we are all on a surer footing. Playing conditions too have improved considerably and thanks to television, the exposure is widespread. The future of golf in India is indeed great.

India is a country where cricket is worshipped; do you see golf achieving any level of popularity?

Yes, it's getting better. And I feel in the next decade golf will become as popular as cricket is. A lot of young people who watch the game on TV have been decoyed to it. There is also good money in it and young people have started realising that it can be a profession in itself and one can make his two ends meet out of it. I do feel that cricketers still rule the world of advertisement but I am sure the scenario will change soon.

How much money do you earn in a season?

It varies from season to season. Usually it is over $400,000.

Have you played with Tiger Woods? How was your experience?

Yes, I played with him in the first two rounds in Shanghai in October. He is as good a man as a golfer. It's been nice sharing some strokes with such a man who's an inspiration to us all.

What needs to be done to popularise golf in India?

Academies, colleges etc. should be set up to tap golfing talent. That can be a way to gain mass popularity. But most importantly golf courses have to be made easily access able to people. That is one sure way of popularising the game.

Which has been your most memorable tournament in your life?

Volvo Masters and very close to it would be Singapore Open.

Who is your idol?

Fred Couples.

How do you relieve yourself from pressures of the game?

Yoga is the way that relieves me of disappointments and pressures. It increases my concentration on the golf course.

In the last few years what has changed in you?

I feel I as a person have not changed at all but as far as my game is concerned I have become more confident, my timing is flawless, there’s more twist in the shot and I am relaxed even under pressure. As my age is increasing so my shaft has changed it has become bit lighter now.

Today you are ranked No.36 in the European circuit. What dreams are left to accomplish?

Hmmm… There're lots of. But my immediate dream or aim that I've to accomplish is to break into top-20 international ranking in the early 2009 and to have a major title under my belt before saying final good bye to the game, for which I am still longing.

Now who says that money and fame changes a person? Even if does I am sure that nothing has changed him as a person, as a human being! The conversation ended but it never felt for a single moment that I was interviewing a Personality though I was. May he finds his way not just to the top 20 positions but to the top positions before singing the last farewell song for his game…

It appeared in the January issue of the Glimpse magazine (2009).