I am in right form to win a Major next year
'I am quite satisfied with my present game and just aim to continue my current form and frame of mind. I think the right time to win a Major has come and I wish to grab it before saying goodbye to the game,' Jeev told IANS on the sidelines of his felicitation ceremony at the Chandigarh Golf Club.
Jeev, who won the Asian Order of Merit title, was honoured by Chandigarh Golf Association (CGA) Monday night.
'I have no pressure and am enjoying my game. My next aim is to improve my world rankings and to win a Major. I would rate 2008 as the best year in my professional career so far. It was a stiff schedule throughout the year,' said Jeev.
Jeev achieved his career-best ranking of 36 by winning four titles. He started the year by ending his 18-month drought with the Bank Austria title and then went on to triumph at the Singapore Open. He also won two tournaments on the Japan Tour. He registered his best performance in Majors after he tied ninth at the PGA Championships, the best by an Indian.
'This year many a times I had to play after taking pain-killers ignoring my injuries. Now on the advice of my physiotherapists I have decided to cut short my tournaments and decided to play in only 32 or 33 tournaments. I have to do it if I want to prolong my career. I think I can still play for another four-five years,' he said.
This year he also became the first player in Asian Tour history to cross $1 million in a single season.
Taking about the game in India, Jeev said: 'Golf is growing in India in a big way and is undoubtedly the future sport of India. I remember that when I started playing golf I used to be under immense pressure but look towards today's golfers, they are so calm, composed and clear in their ideas.'
'Ganganjit Bhullar (20) and Anirban Lahiri (21) are promising players. They will certainly reach the heights in this sport,' pointed Jeev.
Talking about the less support from government and media attention, as compared to cricketers, Jeev said: 'I have no grudges with anyone. My duty is to constantly perform for my country without expecting any rewards. Yes, it is true that golfers are seen less often on television or in advertisements than cricketers but situation is going to change very soon.'
'People have started taking interest in this sport and now many people want their kids to adopt golf as a professional sport. Many potential sponsors are also coming forward and I have been also offered many advertisement campaigns in the last few months,' he said.
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