Jeev eyes top honours at Omega European Masters

CRANS MONTANA - Fit-again golfer Jeev Milkha Singh is eyeing a quick return to the winner’s circle at the Omega European Masters starting Thursday.

The Indian star, a two-time Asian Tour number one, has endured a frustrating 18 months with injuries but feels he is ready to challenge for top honours again at the picturesque Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

“The game is pretty good. I’m healthy and fit. It’s taken me six months to get fit from the shoulder rotator cuff injury. I’ve got my distance back as I’m able to release the club much better and I can move the ball and feel the club,” Singh said Wednesday.

“I’m feeling good and it’s just a question of time when I start holing putts and hopefully have a win.”

Singh, an Asian Tour honorary member, has slipped out of the world’s top-10 and his immediate goal is to fight his way back into the elite top-50 bracket by the end of the season.

“I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. A few top-10s and a few wins will get me there. That’s my goal…to get back into the top-50,” said Singh, who holds six Asian Tour victories and seven other titles around the world.

“It has been a frustrating year with the injuries. It’s been a year and half now. It’s been a tough time but I think it’s all part of learning. All sportsmen go through it. I’m back now and I’m looking to getting back into the winner’s circle,” added the Indian, who won the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit in 2006 and 2008.

His return to form is evident as Singh has missed only one weekend in his last nine tournaments. He is also delighted to return to the two million euro ($2.8 million) Omega European Masters, jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

“I love this place. It’s one of my favourite places on Tour. It’s a beautiful spot, the atmosphere and the village and people, it’s a great feeling,” he said of the stunning venue located in the Swiss Alps.

Singh will not be surprised if an Asian star lifts the Omega title this week which could lend weight to calls for more co-sanctioned events to take place in Europe.

“I think it’s fantastic that this co-sanctioned event has happened. When it’s cold out here, the Europeans come out to Asia. Having an event here is fantastic for the Asians as they rub shoulders with the top Europeans and they are good enough to win too,” said Singh.

Countryman Gaganjeet Bhullar is hoping to build on last week’s four rounds at the Johnnie Walker Championship in Scotland and challenge for honours at Crans Montana.

“I made birdie, birdie to make the cut at the number last week. I’m hitting the ball well…It’s just a matter of finding a week where everything comes together,” said Bhullar, who won the season-opening Asian Tour International in Bangkok in February.

Former Asian Tour number one Jyoti Randhawa is also in a confident mood ahead of the Omega European Masters after posting his first top-10 of the season in Europe last week.

“I’ve been trying to find form and played decent last week. It was good. I’ve changed a few things with my swing but I don’t take it to the golf course. I’m just trying to stick to the changes. It’s all about committing to what you’re trying to improve,” he said.

“It’s the best venue we have in Europe. It’s very picturesque and it doesn’t get better than this. The way I’m playing, I have a fair chance of a good performance here. The confidence is back,” he said.