Press Trust of India
Shah Alam (Malaysia), Jan 13: He would have loved to be in the thick of action on the eve of a big event like the EurAsia Cup but Jeev Milkha Singh is equally relishing his role as the non-playing captain of the Asian Team.
Now, a notebook has taken the place of a golf club and instead of strategising each hole, he is moving from one to another in a golf cart, exchanging a word or two with each Asian Team member, laughing, cracking a joke and suddenly jotting down a point in his book.
“This is different. Frankly, I have never worked as hard as I have for this event. Taking notes, studying players’ strengths and talking to them. And I have loved every moment of it. It is now crunch time from Friday. But there is still lots to do,” Jeev said here Wednesday.
Always a keen competitor on a golf course, Jeev has 20 titles around the world. His teammates have been most appreciative of his effort.
Fellow Indians Anirban Lahiri and SSP Chawrasia know his stature in Indian golf and both hold him in high esteem. “He was the one we looked up to when we were young,” said Lahiri. “He has always been around. When I came to European Tour first, he advised me and even helped with sponsors and much else. So, when he says something, we listen,” added Chawrasia.
The non-Indians are also all praise for their non-playing captain. “As a captain, definitely, he (Jeev) is good. As soon as I got here, I felt really comfortable. I felt like at home. That definitely helps. I think it’s good for him to ask us first if we have any problems. I really like him as a captain, yes, and as a person and a friend, yes,” said young and upcoming Korean golfer Byeong
Hyung An.
