Jeev: Tiger softened the blow
Jeev Milkha Singh missed the cut at the Masters for the first time on Friday – but learnt a valuable lessons from a true master.
India’s Jeev Milkha Singh missed the cut at the Masters Tournament for the first time on Friday – but learnt some valuable lessons from a true master.
The Asian Tour number one carded a second round three-over-par 75 on a wind-swept day at Augusta National to agonizingly miss the halfway cut by one stroke in his third appearance in what has traditionally become the opening major of the year.
But his disappointment at his first miss was more than nullified by the fact that he played alongside World No 1 Tiger Woods, who, he said had given him further insights on what makes the American superstar tick and what he needs to do to reach his major goals.
Singh lamented a cold putter as he bowed out.
“My putter let me down. I didn’t putt too well and three-putted three times. I didn’t hole anything,” lamented the Indian star.
It was one of those days when you hit good putts but they don’t go in. I kept trying though and in the end and made a good birdie on 18.
With winds swirling at Augusta National, Singh knew he was in for a torrid time. He turned in 36, with a birdie on five erasing a bogey on the previous hole. But he boarded the bogey train soon after, dropping four shots over a seven-hole stretch before salvaging his round with a final hole birdie.
“There isn’t (room for error). It’s a windy day and you’re just hanging in there. The three putts were tough to take. You just have to roll the putts in. I think I hit the ball good today, better than yesterday,” he said.
The upside of his week was the two rounds he played with Woods. “I’ve enjoyed myself. I had a great pairing and he made me feel comfortable out there,” said Singh.
“Tiger never gives up. Obviously, his recovery is fantastic and mentally he’s very strong. He makes sure he’s got a putt for par and makes a roll at it. If he starts holing putts, he’ll be up there on Sunday,” Singh warned.