Jeev gives a thumbs down to 'Super Series' idea

New Delhi:

Ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh gave a thumbs down to PGA of Australia's bid for an Asia Pacific Super Series and asked them to join hands with Asian Tour to find a way out.

"Even if they have a difference, they should start a dialogue and join hands," said Jeev.

PGA of Australia recently announced the new six-event series, claiming the support of golf associations from China, Japan and Korea.

The 'Super Series' concept angered a "shocked" Asian Tour which lambasted PGA of Australia. The proposed series, however, suffered a jolt when Japan pulled out of the venture.

Jeev favoured a truce between the Tours and said, "Asia is a big market, they should try and make this game big at the regional level."

For that to happen the factions have to join hands and work for a common goal. Jeev admitted a lot of issues have to be resolved - exemption card, rankings, Order of Merit - and said a lot of hard work needs to be put in. "But these things can be achieved if we join hands," he said.

Personally speaking, Jeev reiterated his desire to succeed on the US PGA Tour.

"I haven't won in the US. My aim is to win on the US PGA Tour and if it could be the big one then it would be the icing on the cake," he said.

Jeev, however, doesn't want to ruin his chance by becoming too much result-oriented, something he did in 2007 when he failed miserably after a stupendous 2006.

"I have found that becoming result-oriented has not been good for me. Rather, I have got to focus," he said.

The 37-year-old Jeev said he was working on his short game as well as on his fitness.

"I did pretty well in Abu Dhabi despite not practising during winter. But I have to work on my short game." Jeev will be taking the next two weeks off - he won't be taking part in next week's Malaysian Open - and would be training hard for the US PGA season before focusing on the European Tour from May onwards.

"I have started hill walking. It is helping me a lot. I am trying to strengthen my calf and foot muscles," said the two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner who credited his physio for the improved fitness.

With recession causing widespread damage, Jeev said golf too would be feeling the pinch.

"Already the European Tour has lost four tournaments. We are not seeing more such cases because sponsors have 3-5 years lock-in period. But I don't see much contract renewal happening," he said.

Asked whether Tiger Woods' return to the scene following a surgery could help improve the financial situation a bit, Jeev said, "Woods coming back will definitely help but then if companies continue to sponsor but at the same time can not pay their employees, then that's unjustified."