By IANS
Singapore : India’s Jeev Milkha Singh, who will make a second appearance at the Masters Tournament to be held at Augusta National Golf Club in the US next week, admitted that the invitation to the first Major of the year came as a surprise to him.
“It was a pleasant surprise. I never thought I would be invited back,” said Singh, 2006 Asian Tour No.1 and the first Indian to feature in the Masters last year.
Singh’s debut at the Masters last year came as a reward of his impressive 2006 season which saw him win four times around the globe and end the year in 37th place on the world Golf rankings.
Singh for his second turning is better prepared said that he would alter his game plan for this year’s Masters.
“I know the golf course now and it does suit my game. But you have to stay patient especially on the greens. I will have to follow my process and routine and see what comes my way.
“I’m going to play it differently this time. I’m going to hit more drivers and I have decided which holes I’m going to tee off with a driver and I’m looking forward to that,” he said.
After the highs of 2006, Singh accepts he had an average 2007 campaign but two runners-up finishes this year have put him back on the right track.
“Last year was average but 2008 is going to be a good year. I’m playing well and I’m looking forward to it.”
He came close at the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open and Ballantine’s Championship in Korea recently, finishing second on both occasions.
Part of Singh’s preparation is to play the Augusta National course countless of times in his mind, which is one of his pre-round routines.
“When I’m on tour, I would spend the time on the way to the club to play the course in my mind, to prepare myself mentally for it. I’ll imagine what club to use on the tee shot and then play the second shot onto the green,” he explained.
“I’ll play the golf course repeatedly in my mind, over and over again. When I get to Augusta National, then I’ll put it into practice. If it works for me, I’ll give it a go.”
For a person who pays every attention to routine and process, Singh has made it a point to stay in the same Indian-owned hotel in Augusta. “I’ll be at the same place, and will order some Indian food once in a while,” he laughs.