Singh sets sight on majors after Asian Tour supremacy

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With another Asian Tour Order of Merit to his name, Jeev Milkha Singh is setting his sights on a higher goal.

BANGKOK, Thailand -- New Asian No. 1 Jeev Milkha Singh believes he can now win a major title, which will enable him to "sit at the same table with [his] father."

The Indian star wrapped up his campaign at the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia on Sunday to be officially crowned the 2008 Asian Tour's Order of Merit champion and immediately set out on his next goal, which is to challenge for one of the four most prized trophies in the world of golf.

"This has been the best year so far in my career. In 2006, I also had four wins, but I rate this season better due to my performances in the majors. It has given me a lot of confidence, and I'm more comfortable and confident when I'm under pressure. I know my swing is better, and that has taken me further up in my game," said Singh, who shot rounds of 76, 70, 70 and 72 to finish in the middle of the field at Thai Country Club.

The 37-year-old made history by becoming the first player to win over $1 million in a single season on the Asian Tour, thanks largely to his stunning triumph over a world-class field at the Barclays Singapore Open last month.

He registered two other runner-up finishes in Indonesia and Korea in a stellar season that also saw him triumph once in Europe and twice in Japan to rise to his current career-high 36th place in the Official World Golf Ranking. In addition, he tied for 25th at the Masters and posted a career-first top 10 in a major by tying for ninth at the PGA Championship.

"Winning the Order of Merit twice in three years is special. It has given me a lot of confidence as I've proven myself again, and you then try to move on to bigger things," said Singh, who was also the region's top player in 2006.

"I think I've got the game to win a major. I feel it all depends on the mindset that week and how you deal with the pressure. A lot of it comes down to the short game. I feel I do have the game and hopefully before my golfing career is over, I will have a major under my belt," said Singh.

The son of the famous Milkha Singh, who is a decorated Olympic runner for India, Singh said that despite his golfing achievements over the past three seasons, he still feels he has yet to measure up to his father's iconic status.

"Dad is still a bigger name than me in India," said Singh with a smile.

"Coming from a sporting family (his mother was also the captain of the national volleyball team), my father always emphasised discipline, work ethic and honesty. I've had positive feedback from my parents, and that has helped get me to where I am today. My wife Kudrat has also been very supportive."

Singh plans to scale down his playing schedule in 2009 after competing in over 35 events each season around the globe, so much so that he should inherit his father's nickname as the "Flying Sikh."

As the saying partly goes, there will be no rest for the wickedly talented as Singh has already engaged a physical trainer to start work with him next week as part of his plan to challenge for major honors.

"I need to get fit in 2009. I've had a lot of injuries. I have put on weight as I normally run a mile a day, but I've been unable to do so with my ankle injury since June. I have people in place starting on December 28 who will train me and help get me fit. My main goal over the next six months is to get fit," said Singh.

He also looked back at his career, which started in Asia way back in 1995 and was proud to have seen the Asian Tour grow to record levels where this season, an unprecedented 30 events with an all-time high of $39 million in prize money was on offer to the region's talented players.

"The Asian Tour has given me a lot. That's the main reason I'm here this week -- to also receive the Order of Merit award and give back to the Asian Tour for what it has done in my career," said Singh.