Singh Seeks Singapore Repeat

India’s Jeev Milkha Singh aims to feed off positive vibes as he bids to win the Barclays Singapore Open for the second time in three years.

Singh outgunned Major winners Ernie Els of South Africa and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington to win the title in 2008 but did not defend last year because of a clash of dates.

He has returned to the happy hunting ground of Sentosa Golf Club for another crack at glory this year after an injury-blighted season on the US PGA Tour.

His victory in 2008 was the crowning moment of a towering career and saw him clinch the moneylist race in Asia for the second time.

"I have a great feeling coming back especially to a place where you won before. Obviously you get the positive vibes again. I love the golf course, it is a fantastic set up and Singapore is a great country and hopefully I’ll have a good tournament again," he said.

"It was a great win and I feel it was one of the biggest wins in my career. It was a strong field and the golf course was very challenging with the rough up and the greens were in excellent condition."

A shoulder injury picked up earlier in the season has hampered Singh’s progress on the PGA Tour where he has had just one top-10 in 17 starts.

"The injury is not 100% cured," he revealed. "I’m still on painkillers."

One big difference in Singh’s life since 2008 has been the birth of his son Harjai and the 10-month-old boy and his mother are with him in Singapore.

"This is the first trip my family has come with me. I think it is great because it gets quite lonely on the road," said Singh. "But I have booked two rooms so I can get some sleep."

Fellow Indian Arjun Atwal also has great memories of the Lion City having earned his European Tour card in 2002 with victory in the Singapore Masters.

Atwal, like Singh a former Asian number one, arrives fresh from a career-reviving victory at the Wyndham Championship on the US PGA Tour.

"I’m looking forward to the Barclays Singapore Open," said Atwal, who practises regularly with Tiger Woods. "I always love coming to Singapore because it is a beautiful city. I’ve played on this golf course once and it is a great challenge."