Today in the second round, I scored a four-under-par 68, bringing my total to 136, which is eight under par. This puts me in second place alone in the $500,000 HSBC India Legends on the Legends Tour, co-sanctioned with the PGTI. Since it's Saturday, despite this being a 54-hole event, I believe it's appropriate to label it as 'Moving Day.' I'm quite satisfied with my performance on the course today!
I began on hole 10, typically the first hole for members, and scored a 35 with two birdies and one bogey. I then finished strongly with additional birdies on holes 1, 5, and 6 without any bogeys, resulting in a back nine score of 33. My putting improved significantly today, which was a major positive. Leading the pack is first-round leader Joakim Haeggman (Swe), who shot a two-under 70 following his initial 65. In third place, four strokes behind me, is my Indian friend Jyoti Randhawa, who is four under par.
To be honest, my current standing exceeds all my expectations before the tournament, especially considering my role as the tournament host. The Greg Norman-designed Jaypee Greens golf course has performed admirably. The weather was hot again, but thankfully, we played in golf carts. Only eight players managed to break par in the second round, and my score tied for the best of the day. Only nine out of the 64 players are under par after 36 holes.
A special mention goes to French golfer Marc Farry, who achieved a hole-in-one with a six iron on the 189-yard third hole. Congratulations to Marc, the drinks are on you tonight! For the final round, I will be paired with Joakim and Jyoti, teeing off at 9.20 am (India time). My approach for the final round will be to continue as I have all week. I am unexpectedly calm, and as the host, I will be content with whatever the result may be. I must not get ahead of myself.
My last victory was at the 2012 Scottish Open at Castle Stuart, besides winning the Japan Senior Tour Qualifying School earlier in 2023. It has been a while, and winning is never easy. I have only dropped two shots in 36 holes, so I must be doing something right. My 14-year-old son, Harjai Milkha Singh, scored 33 Stableford points (4 Handicap) in the Legends Experience Division, finishing tied second in his final round. He has performed well this week, let's see what Dad can achieve tomorrow.
My caddie this week, Rajan Kumar, is from my home club in Chandigarh. I did not bring my UK caddie, but we have been successful together so far. Tonight is the tournament fashion show, held in a marquee on the course, which should be enjoyable. I will update you on how it went in my Daily Diary on the final day. Wish me luck and thank you for everyone's support. For live scoring, visit: www.Legendstour.com
