He recently celebrated his 36th birthday (December 15) and is palpably in holiday mood after a hectic season.
"I am not practicing at all now. Just enjoying my holiday period," says Jeev Milkha Singh. And when he says that the next couple of weeks are going to be similar, there is no reason not to believe him.
But amidst this relaxation, Jeev does take time out to look back on the year and ponder his future, sometimes getting a tad philosophical.
"At 36, I'm not getting any younger," he says. "I've probably got another 10 years or so in me and, therefore, I am cutting down on the number of assignments.
"After 45 I'm gonna go downhill and can only look up to play on the senior tour."
For someone who had an outstanding 2006 -- four wins, the Asian Order of Merit title and a top-50 world ranking to mention just some of his achievements -- 2007 was relatively quite or, to put it more bluntly, disappointing.
Jeev does agree, but only to a part of it.
"Average," he says, summing up his year in just a word.
But was it just bad form or simply over-confidence that contributed to his "average" year?
"Expectations," he says, yet again giving a one-word answer. But this time, thankfully, there is an explanation.
"My expectations were high this year and others also expected a lot from me," explains Jeev. "It is these expectations that bring anxiety and then you commit some stupid mistakes, especially when you are on the lower side in mind management."
Having said that, Jeev is quick to focus on to a more positive aspect.
"In 2007, I was more result-oriented, improved my driving a lot and learnt the need to work on the mental aspect of my game, i.e. mind-management," he says.
Despite having a comme ci comme ca year, vis-à-vis results, Jeev still became the first Indian to play in all the four golf majors.
Ask him about that experience and he is more forthcoming.
"The US Masters," he says, explaining his best effort in a major this year. And that is strictly a personal favourite.
For the record, he finished 37th in his maiden appearance in Augusta and a notch higher (36th) in his third US Open -- the latter being a career-best finish in a major.
Now that the burden of expectation is off his shoulders, he is looking forward to having a good season next year.
"I'm definitely looking forward to next year," he says.
"I'm having a January 10 start and will be playing in the Royal Trophy -- a tournament on the lines of the Ryder Cup, featuring teams from Asia and Europe -- in Bangkok first, followed by tournaments in Dubai and Doha, among others."
With India hosting two European Tour events next year -- Emaar-MGF Indian Masters and the Johnnie Walker Classic -- in the month between February and March, golf aficionados expect to see Jeev in action in both the events.
And the golfer himself is equally excited about them.
"I'll be playing in both the events in India next year and am looking forward to it," he says as he signs off.
But didn't he say earlier that he's cutting down on his assignments?
