By V. Krishnaswamy, IANS,
Bangkok : Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh grabbed the two most prestigious awards of the season at the Asian Tour’s Awards Gala 2008 to complete an incredible season.
The 37-year-old Jeev was was named the Players’ ‘Player of the Year’ and also won his second Order of Merit crown in three years. Dressed in an elegant all-black attire Sunday night, Jeev, was almost emotional as he thanked everybody, those present and those not present, for his successes this year.
“This is a very special moment,” said Jeev. “The Asian Tour means a lot to me as this was where I started from. All credit to the Tour as it helped build my confidence and I am truly honoured that the players voted for me for the Player of the Year award.”
He also thanked his family, wife Kudrat and swing coach Amritinder Singh for helping him become a world-class player. “My family and Kudrat have been supportive and I want to thank Amritinder for coaching me and getting me on track,” he added.
Jeev concluded a brilliant year winning four titles around the globe including the Barclays Singapore Open, which made him the first player in Asian Tour history to cross $1 million in a single season.
He earned a record $1.45 million from 11 tournaments with one win and two runner-up finishes at the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open and Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea. He also won twice in Japan and once in Europe to rise to a career high 36th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Jeev also finished 12th in the Order of merit in Europe and also had his first top-10 finish in a Major at the PGA Championships this season. “That was very satisfying and my goal for next year is the Majors and WGC events,” said Jeev.
The Rookie of the Year honour went to teen titan Noh Seung-yul, who claimed a breakthrough victory at the Midea China Classic and posted three runner-up finishes. The 17-year-old belied his age to finish the season in an impressive 10th position on the Order of Merit with $345,823 following the conclusion of the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia Sunday.
The list of winners:
Order of Merit winner: Jeev Milkha Singh (India)
Players’ Player of the Year: Jeev Milkha Singh (India)
Special Achievement Awards: The late Supphaphorn Maphungphong (Thailand)
Rookie of the Year: Noh Seung-yul (Thailand)
Host Venue of the Year: Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore
Greens in Regulation: Scott Strange (Australia) 73.29 percent
Lowest Stroke Average: Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand) 69.5
Birdie Leader: Thaworn Wiratchant (Thailand) 361 birdies
Lowest Putting Average: Chawalit Plaphol (Thailand) 1.70