In a remarkable display of enduring skill and passion, Indian golfing icon Jeev Milkha Singh has announced his intention to compete at the highest level for at least another ten years. This declaration comes on the heels of his recent victory at the IGPL Invitational in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which marked his first tournament win in 13 years, his previous title being the Scottish Open in 2012.
A Triumphant Return and a Father's Motivation
The 54-year-old champion, who once reached a career-high world ranking of 28, secured the IGPL Invitational trophy last month in a field that included both young talents and seasoned professionals. Speaking from his residence in Sector 8, Chandigarh, Singh revealed the profound personal significance of this win. He shared that during the tournament, where his son Harjai Milkha Singh was also competing, he told his boy to "look out for me," confident in his own enduring form and experience.
This victory served as a powerful motivational push, especially after a period of profound personal loss. Singh disclosed that in 2021, after losing both his parents to Covid-19, he contemplated quitting the sport entirely. However, he found the strength to return, dedicating his game to their memory. "I had started golf seeing my father play golf and the restart was like another birth for me in the sport," he reflected.
Mastering the Senior Circuit and a Packed Schedule
Now a mainstay on the senior professional circuits, Singh meticulously balances his time across multiple tours, including the European Legends Tour, the Senior Japan Tour, the Asian Tour, and the IGPL circuit. He acknowledges the physical challenges that come with competing past the age of 50, such as muscle loss and injury risks, but counters them with a strict fitness regimen centered on yoga and meditation.
His strategy has evolved to focus on intelligent course management, playing to his current strengths and selecting tournaments on courses that suit his game. This approach nearly paid off last year with a second-place finish at the MCD Mauritius Legends on the European Legends Tour.
For the current year, Singh has charted an ambitious plan to compete for 32-34 weeks. His schedule includes prestigious senior majors like the Senior PGA Championship and the Senior British Open, approximately 15 events on the Legends Tour, 12 tournaments in Japan, and several appearances on the Asian Tour and IGPL events.
A Decade-Long Goal and Wisdom for the Next Generation
Singh's ultimate career goal is clear: to clinch a Senior Major championship. "I believe if I can win a Senior Major in my career, it would be a befitting end to my golfing career," he stated, while emphasising that this "end" is still at least a full decade away.
When asked about advice for India's emerging golf talent, Singh stressed the importance of self-belief and ambition. Drawing from his own experience of winning on the Japan Tour and European Tour, he encouraged young golfers not to fear challenging conditions abroad. "Youngsters should never fear the conditions... one should have the belief to give Europe’s and world’s top golfers a run for their money," he advised.
He credits his legendary father, the late Milkha Singh, for instilling in him the core principles that fuel his longevity: passion, excellence, discipline, and humility. "He would share how a sportsperson’s life is never the same, highs and lows come. But what should remain constant is his willpower and the dedication towards training," Singh recalled. It is this timeless lesson that continues to drive Jeev Milkha Singh as he embarks on his next decade of competitive golf.
