Singapore: India's top-ranked golfer Jeev Milkha Singh is relishing the prospect of fulfilling a childhood dream when he tees off at the US Masters in Augusta next week.
The 35-year-old from Chandigarh became the first Indian to qualify for the opening major of the year after a brilliant 2006, in which he won four titles on three separate tours, the Asian Tour order of merit crown and a place in the world's top 50.
"I've always dreamt about playing in the Masters. When I was young, I would joke with my friends on the golf course that I've got a putt to win the Masters. Now, the dream has come true," Singh said. "That's my favourite major championship. I'll go out there and enjoy every bit of that. I started playing golf at the age of nine but it wasn't until I was 13 or 14 that I first watched the Masters intently."
The world number 44 has made the weekend cut at the two US Opens he has competed in and will be hoping for similar success at Augusta to keep his legion of fans happy.
"I think there will be a lot of following. There will be a lot of expectations," he added. "When I go out there I will be nervous, but I'm going to give it my best shot. I will not be result-orientated and I will just focus on my routine and process. And I will try to have my best performance."
A solid performance would also go a long way to raising the profile of a sport that is rapidly becoming the second most popular in India after cricket.
"I'm very excited. Indian golf has come of age. It is showing to the world that it's the fastest growing sport in our country. We've got so many talented players," Jeev said. "If it keeps going the way that it's going, I think it'll catch up with cricket. There is a lot of talent in the country. The main thing is that when parents see us guys doing well and making a good living, then they will let their kids try out the sport."
The Masters takes place at Augusta National Golf Club from April 5-8.
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