Dubai, Dec 16 (IANS): Indian golf legend Jeev Milkha Singh is prepared to play through pain as he seeks to end the year on a high at the inaugural Dubai Open starting Thursday.
The two-time Asian Tour number one is returning from an enforced three-week break after treating his injured right shoulder but Jeev, who celebrated his 43rd birthday Monday, admitted the treatment has failed to alleviate the pain.
“There’s still pain, so I don't know whether the shot has worked or not. The doctor says it hasn't because you should have no pain after two weeks,” Jeev said Monday.
“But I'm here and I'm going to enjoy this week.”
Jeev paid tribute to the Asian Tour and event promoter and organiser golf in DUBAi for launching the newest $500,000 tournament on the region’s premier Tour, which is also the final tournament of the season.
Top Asian Tour stars including Prom Meesawat and Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, Filipino Angelo Que and India’s Rashid Khan, all ranked in the top-10 of the Order of Merit, will tee up at the immaculate The Els Club Dubai.
Former British Open champion Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland and Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, who needs a lone 16th place or better finish in Dubai to qualify for the Masters Tournament in April, are also in the field.
“I think it's fantastic. We love Dubai as a city. It's a multicultural place where the golf courses are fantastic. And golf has grown in this region. The field is strong this week and we are hoping this event will be a success,” said Jeev, who is also a 'Golf in Dubai' ambassador.
With his family here, Jeev hopes to celebrate the week of his birthday by returning into the winner’s circle, with his last success being the 2012 Scottish Open.
“We are going to have a great week. I just want to enjoy the atmosphere, enjoy the game,” he said.
“Yes, I'm 21 now. I think after 40, you don't count how old you are. You just say you're 21. That's the way I feel.”
A total of 23 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Golf Tour players will also feature in the 114-man field this week.