Jeev Milkha Singh Interview

Jeev Milkha Singh during his golf clinic for India media invitees at Laguna Phuket

India Golf Weekly was recently invited to the sprawling Laguna Phuket resort in Thailand to attend a clinic hosted by legendary Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh.

The clinic also gave us an opportunity to interview Jeev in person. He discussed his senior tour career, his upcoming schedule, the differences in the senior and regular tour events, LIV Golf, what he has learned over the years, what he has been working on and a lot more. You can read the interview below:

IGW – Hi Jeev, can you share how you arrived at the decision to play on the Senior Tour? After the untimely demise of your parents, how tough was it ?

Jeev – You know after mom and dad it was very difficult to and I had decided to never play golf again, so I didn’t for six months and after that I decided yes, I’m going to get back on the course and start playing and made the decision to play the senior tour. Always wanted to play the senior tour but after what had happened, I didn’t want to. But here I am playing the senior tour. This year, I have already played in eight events, enjoying it thoroughly and it’s like a new kid on the block. With all the guys who I have played with for years, you see them again, have a good laugh, talk about things and it’s a more relaxed atmosphere.

IGW – Can you share thoughts about your week in Germany where you were so close to a Senior Tour win ?

Jeev – I was lying top-10 heading into the final round and shot 5-under. Windy conditions, tough golf course, started off very well, made par on the first seven holes, birdied 8 and 9, turned at 2-under and then birdied 14th, 15th, bogeyed 16th and finished birdie-birdie on 17 and 18, shot 5-under par. That helped me finish third. That was my best finish so far and I’m looking forward to playing in more events the way my game is shaping up. I feel that I am very close and am not going to put any pressure on myself but just turn up, follow my process and hopefully get a few wins.

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IGW – How different is it to play a senior event compared to a regular tour event?

Jeev – Competitiveness wise, it is very competitive. Just like the main tour. But if you talk about the atmosphere, and the approach, it’s more relaxed on the senior tour. Whereas, on the main tour, it’s work, it’s very serious, and you’re younger, you know, you’re hitting hundreds of golf balls, the whole day on the golf course. Whereas, on the senior tour you’d hit a few balls before going, you’d play your round, then come back and hit a few balls and then work a lot on your short game and after that you’ll just go home and relax or basically go to the gym, whatever you want to do. On the main tour, you’ve got a proper schedule sorted out that in the morning you’ll do this, whereas on the senior tour it’s more relaxed.

Angsana Beachfront Residences Laguna Phuket

IGW – What are you currently working on?

Jeev – Basically, I’m working on staying with the ball for a longer period of time at impact position. Because, with time and with age, I’m not able to stay with the ball and the second thing I am working on is better shoulder turn. I’m not able to take full backswing. It shortens when I’m trying to hit it hard. So I’m working a lot with the physios, to make sure my shoulders stay relaxed.

IGW – Thoughts on LIV Golf ? And if offered will you be interested in joining?

Jeev – If I got an opportunity to join, I would join. Because at the age I am at, 50, I am looking for a retirement fund. So, if I get a retirement fund offer like that I would obviously play.

IGW – Who among the current breed of players has a good chance of bringing a major to India?

Jeev – Oh, there are a lot of players. Anirban Lahiri, Shubhankar Sharma, Gaganjeet Bhullar, there are so many good players coming out of India, Karandeep Kochhar, I can just keep naming them. You know it’s just that week they have got to be in form, positive, got to believe in themselves and they can win a major championship.

IGW – Your learnings from the sport over the years?

Jeev – I think the best learning, this game teaches you is to stay humble, stay grounded. Because, one week you are the best and the next you are nobody, you miss the cut (laughs). Not a nobody, but you miss the cut. It’s a reality check, you know what, get back to driving range, your basics and get back to working hard.

IGW – Upcoming schedule?

Jeev – I have got a busy schedule coming up, I start from Singapore, two weeks in Japan, then I have another two weeks in Japan (5 days off in between), two weeks in Taiwan, back to Japan for two weeks, then I have my tournament, the Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational from Oct. 13-16 in Chandigarh. Later, I fly back to Japan for another three weeks, then some Asian Tour events and then I’ll make a decision on the Champions Tour Q-School.

IGW – Thoughts on Laguna Phuket?

Jeev – Phuket is easily accessible from India, we have a lot of direct flights and in the future we are going to have many more flights coming to Phuket. Banyan Tree, doesn’t need to be explained how good the properties are because it’s a brand which everybody recognises and they have the best villas, food to offer. I stayed here in February, I absolutely enjoyed it, it’s a fantastic property. You have a pool given to you, the food which is top class, hospitality is amazing, the staff is so friendly and you live on site where golf tournaments take place. You come to the clubhouse, change your shoes, go to the driving range, play 18 holes. It’s an amazing golf course with few holes which require lot of planning, some players like to play aggressively, some plan the shots, lay up, because it gets windy out here and there are certain holes where we play from (black tees) are tough approach shots, distance control is required, but a very nice and friendly atmosphere, with all the people coming to cheer you up and I would recommend people to come up to this destination for holidays, enjoy themselves and enjoy golf trips.