New Delhi, Sep 22 (UNI) It may sound like a distant dream at this point but former Asian Tour number one Jyoti Randhawa today predicted that an Indian would lay his fingers on a Major title in the next 5-10 years.
''I mean, you never know and I feel it's not very far either.
Maybe in the next 5-10 years, you would have an Indian winning the Major,'' he told reporters on the sidelines of the 5th McDowell Signature Club Golf Championship here today.
He was also full of praise for senior compatriot Jeev Milkha Singh who has replaced Randhawa as the highest ranked Indian golfer.
''I'm very happy for him because he was one of those we followed.
No doubt he deserves to be there, because he has played the best golf among all the Indians this year. Since winning the China Open, he's a different player altogether. He has grown in confidence and playing well. I wish him all the best,'' said Randhawa.
He was also happy that Jeev is all set to finish as the Asian Tour Order of Merit winner this time.
''I have won it in 2002, (Arjun) Atwal won it in 2003 and now Jeev. Indian golf never had it so good,'' he said.
Randhawa also hailed Shiv Kapur's talents and didn't agree that the youngster lacked consistency.
''I don't think he is inconsistent. He has just turned pro and has done wonderfully well so far. He is improving every day,'' he said.
On Atwal, who has had a poor season so far, Randhawa said it's not easy to maintain the tempo.
''He had a wonderful time last year. But things didn't go that well this time. But you have to consider that USPGA Tour is the toughest place to be. Playing there week in and week out, it's very tough to maintain your game. What you think great may not be good enough to make the cut there. I think he will come out of it,'' Randhawa explained.
On his personal form this year, the Arjuna awardee said, '' I think by my standard, I had a rather mediocre season so far. But the best part is I'm playing well again and lets' see what the remainder of the season has in store.
''I learnt a lot in my first year on the European Tour and have secured next year's card as well. I hope my best comes next year.'' The 2004 Volvo Masters of Asia winner leaves for America tomorrow and is undaunted by the prospect of sharing the field with the likes of Tiger Woods in the WGC-American Express.
''I'm going to play in the World Golf Championship and you have people like Tiger Woods there. But it's not a question of being intimidated or not. I think I'm playing very well now and it would be a tough comeptition,'' he said.
Randhawa also confirmed that he would tee up in the Indian Open.
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''I mean, you never know and I feel it's not very far either.
Maybe in the next 5-10 years, you would have an Indian winning the Major,'' he told reporters on the sidelines of the 5th McDowell Signature Club Golf Championship here today.
He was also full of praise for senior compatriot Jeev Milkha Singh who has replaced Randhawa as the highest ranked Indian golfer.
''I'm very happy for him because he was one of those we followed.
No doubt he deserves to be there, because he has played the best golf among all the Indians this year. Since winning the China Open, he's a different player altogether. He has grown in confidence and playing well. I wish him all the best,'' said Randhawa.
He was also happy that Jeev is all set to finish as the Asian Tour Order of Merit winner this time.
''I have won it in 2002, (Arjun) Atwal won it in 2003 and now Jeev. Indian golf never had it so good,'' he said.
Randhawa also hailed Shiv Kapur's talents and didn't agree that the youngster lacked consistency.
''I don't think he is inconsistent. He has just turned pro and has done wonderfully well so far. He is improving every day,'' he said.
On Atwal, who has had a poor season so far, Randhawa said it's not easy to maintain the tempo.
''He had a wonderful time last year. But things didn't go that well this time. But you have to consider that USPGA Tour is the toughest place to be. Playing there week in and week out, it's very tough to maintain your game. What you think great may not be good enough to make the cut there. I think he will come out of it,'' Randhawa explained.
On his personal form this year, the Arjuna awardee said, '' I think by my standard, I had a rather mediocre season so far. But the best part is I'm playing well again and lets' see what the remainder of the season has in store.
''I learnt a lot in my first year on the European Tour and have secured next year's card as well. I hope my best comes next year.'' The 2004 Volvo Masters of Asia winner leaves for America tomorrow and is undaunted by the prospect of sharing the field with the likes of Tiger Woods in the WGC-American Express.
''I'm going to play in the World Golf Championship and you have people like Tiger Woods there. But it's not a question of being intimidated or not. I think I'm playing very well now and it would be a tough comeptition,'' he said.
Randhawa also confirmed that he would tee up in the Indian Open.
UNI AY DH HT1500
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