Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh, who has made history in the sport, is preparing for a thrilling week as he gets ready to host the $500,000 HSBC India Legends Championship at the Jaypee Greens Golf Resort in Noida, India. This tournament, previously part of the European Tour’s Seniors Tour, is now co-sanctioned with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), marking a pivotal event for senior golf in the area. By hosting this event, Jeev not only demonstrates his dedication to golf but also highlights the increasing interest in the sport in India. He views this as an excellent chance to engage with both fans and fellow golfers.
Khaleej Times recently interviewed the renowned Indian golfer about his hopes for the tournament, scheduled from Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st September. Jeev shared that he had just come back from Japan, where he participated in the 11th Maruhan Cup on the Japan Senior Tour, finishing tied 26th after rounds of 68 and 70 on a par 71 course. He noted the competitive nature of senior golf worldwide and mentioned the significant rain delays they experienced.
The upcoming week promises to be hectic, starting with Media Day on Tuesday. Jeev will only have the chance to see the Jaypee Greens course on Wednesday during the Pro-Am, where 64 players from 17 countries will compete. Among the notable participants is Jose Caceres (Arg), the 2000 Dubai Desert Classic champion, and Chris Williams (RSA), who won the 2017 Sharjah Senior Golf Masters. Jeev also expressed his hope to perform well in the tournament.
The event includes Pro-Ams on Wednesday and Thursday, featuring Legends Tour professionals, sponsors, supporters, and celebrities. Notable cricketers like Kapil Dev and Yuvraj Singh are also expected to participate. Golf Clinics will be held during the week to promote junior golf, and a Welcome Dinner and a Fashion Show Dinner are scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday nights, respectively. Additionally, there is an optional Taj Mahal excursion for players interested in experiencing Indian culture.
Jeev plans to share his initial impressions of the Jaypee Greens course in his next diary entry. The course, designed by Greg Norman, has a rich history, having hosted the 2013 Avantha Masters. Jeev looks forward to seeing how he performs 11 years after his previous appearance at the course. He requests everyone's good wishes for a successful week both on and off the golf course.
