At 52 years and eight months, Jeev Milkha Singh is the oldest player in the US$2 million International Series England this week. And one of the most decorated Indian stars is showing once again that age is just a number. Story by Joy Chakravarty at International Series England.

With rounds of 69, 68 and 71, Singh is five-under for the event, in a tie for 16th, and is putting together one of his finest performances on the Asian Tour in recent times.

However, the super competitive star, who is a six-time winner on the Asian Tour, feels he could be doing even better.

“I am very annoyed with my putting, because I have given myself enough birdie chances to be threatening for the lead,” said Singh, who now plays mostly on the Seniors Tour in Europe and Japan.

“I had two three-putts on Friday, and on the first day. I had birdie putts on every hole from 14 to 18 yesterday. Putting has always been the strongest part of my game and it is frustrating when the putter starts misbehaving. I am going to be working on it to make sure that’s not the case on Sunday.”

Jeev Milkha Singh. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

When pointed out that it still was a great start for the oldest man in the championship, Singh said: “I now use my age as a motivation.

“I know I cannot hit the ball as far as some of these younger boys on the Tour, but I use that to push myself. I love playing my practice round with the Indian boys on the Asian Tour, and it is a learning experience for me. They do ask me various questions, but I honestly think I get to know a lot more just by playing with them.

“These guys keep themselves abreast with the latest in technology, and nutrition and fitness. They say you can’t teach an old dog a new trick, but I am all for it to imbibe anything new.

“And it also keeps me mentally sharp. I want to beat them and feel good about it.”

With the International Series England being played simultaneously with the Olympics in Paris, this is a special time for the son of India’s legendary Olympian, Milkha Singh. It has disrupted his usual schedule of watching Netflix after the round or practice, but one that Singh welcomes.

“Obviously, very special. I don’t watch much TV, but that’s not the case this week. I was cheering hard for India in their hockey semi-final against Germany. They lost, but they played really well and I am happy they were rewarded with the bronze medal,” said Singh, a two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion.

“I also made it a point to watch the 400-metre final. That used to be dad’s favourite distance to run. And that turned out to be something. Watching (Quincy) Hall make that final push was brilliant. It kept reminding me of dad and was an extra dose of motivation this week.”