Jeev invited to US Open again

Jeev made history last year when he became the first Indian to qualify for the Masters after breaking into the world’s top-50. He enjoyed a memorable debut — he led the field for a brief spell — finishing a tied 37th.

It was a surprise return trip for the Chandigarh-based golfer as he had slipped to 81 in world rankings. “I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year,” said the 2006 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner. I was planning to work my way back into the world’s top-50 to qualify again.”

Jeev, who enjoyed a stunning 2006 season with four wins, also said that he would try to improve his position this year. “It’s a dream come true as the Masters is my favourite championship. I’m going to try and improve from last year’s finish,” he said.

Jeev also said it was rewarding to see three Asian Tour members being invited to the Masters. In fact, the invitation has come to Jeev as a just reward for his perseverance, particularly in 2006. He, however, was not able to live up to his expectations in the year gone by.

On the European Tour he had two tied 12th finishes at the BMW PGA Championship and Open de France ALSTOM and a tied 16th at the Mercedes-Benz Championship. Jeev also did not fare too badly at the Asian Tour’s Hero Honda Indian Open, finishing tied 13th. He rounded off his year in style with two top-10s (tied 3rd at the Golf Nippon Series JT Cup and tied 7th at Dunlop Phoenix) on the Japan Golf Tour.