Tired of injury breakdowns, ace Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh said he would cut down a month from his usually busy calendar and play around 30 events next season.
Laid low by a shoulder injury in the first half of the year, Jeev had to withdraw halfway through the Casio World Open on the Japan Golf Tour in November after sustaining a back injury.
Hampered by pain, which he said was the worst he had ever experienced in his career, Jeev missed the Indian Open in the first week of this month after being advised three weeks of complete bed rest by the doctors.
“I know at this age I can’t take the same risk I used to take five years back. I have learnt it the hard way. I would be cutting down on my tournaments next year. The priority would be to stay fit and get a personal trainer who can tour with me,” Jeev said.
“I generally play 36 tournaments but next year I would play around 30. So I will cut down around a month from my usual schedule,” he added.
Jeev said he is hopeful of turning up for Asia in next month’s Royal Trophy against Europe at the Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand.
“I am better now. At least I can sit for 20-30 minutes comfortably. This morning I had an acupuncture session, I am also showing a doctor, a physio and also doing yoga. In short, I am doing everything to get ready by January 4. So there is a good chance that I will play in the Royal Trophy,” Jeev said.
“On December 24, I will swing my club for the first time after November 26 and depending on what happens and how I feel and the doctor’s advise I will take a call. I have to see if my back can take the pressure of the whiplash that would be generated. So I will let everyone know on December 26 if I am ready to play or not.
“My doctor is not happy with me because I am travelling. They want me to take complete bed rest. Right now I am based in Chandigarh. On December 17 I will shift base to Gurgaon and stay there for next 10-15 days with my family,” he added.
Asked about the challenges next year, Jeev said he would be eyeing the European Tour. “I would be targeting the European tour and also play a few in the Japan Tour. I have a medical exemption in the PGA Tour. I will play on the Asian Tour as well, the co-sanctioned ones,” he said.
