By IANS
New York : India’s Jyoti Randhawa is all fired up for the PGA Championship, the year’s final major, starting here Thursday.
The former Asian number one endured a futile wait at the previous major, the British Open, last month where he was first alternate. But now that he has got his chance at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this week, Randhawa is determined to make full use of the start.
The Indian is one of seven Asian Tour members in the tournament, the others being compatriot Jeev Milkha Singh, Daniel Chopra (who has a Swedish passport), China’s Liang Wen-chong, who makes his major debut, Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, South Korea’s Yang Yong-eun, and England’s Simon Dyson, who lives in Hong Kong.
“It’s the gathering of the world’s best players. That’s where I want to compete,” Randhawa told the Asian Tour website.
Randhawa has enjoyed a strong season in Europe where he has notched two top-10s and three other top-25 finishes since May. But it is the majors that the Indian wants after enjoying a career-best 27th place finish at the 2004 British Open.
“I’ve been doing well since my son Zoravar was born earlier this year. I’ve got more responsibilities but it’s been good,” said Randhawa, the 2002 Asia number one.
“I’ve got used to different playing conditions in Europe. I’m waiting for a win (in Europe). I hope it happens soon,” added the Indian.
Randhawa is drawn to play with Stephen Ames of Canada and Paul Goydos of the US in the first two rounds.
Jeev Milkha Singh, winner of four titles around the world last season, will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of missing the cut at the British Open in Carnoustie when he tees off this week.
The Indian ace enjoyed a strong debut at the US Masters in April, finishing tied 37th before improving by one place at the US Open.
“I’m always excited about the majors. I want to treat it as any other tournament but it’s tough to do that,” said Singh.
“I’ve got some minor injuries due to playing too much but I’m going to try and work on getting better,” he added.
For the first two days Singh tees off alongside Raphael Jacquelin of France and Pat Perez of the US.
Daniel Chopra, son of an Indian father and Swedish mother, plays with South Korean Yang and American Butch Sheehan.