Jeev's surprise call from Augusta Masters

PGTI member Jeev Milkha Singh will once again return on the sacred green turf of the Augusta National Golf Club after receiving a surprise invitation to participate in the 2008 Masters tournament.

Jeev, who made his debut at The Masters in 2007, received a special invitation to participate in the 2008 Masters tournament.

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He received the invitation along with two other Asian Tour stars Liang Wen-chong (UBS Asian Tour Order of Merit winner for 2007) and Prayad Marksaeng.

Jeev scripted history last year by becoming the first Indian to qualify for the Masters after breaking into the world's top-50. He enjoyed a dream debut at the event by finishing tied 37th.

It was quite a surprise for the Chandigarh-based golfer to get a return trip to the Masters as he had slipped to 81st in the world.

The 2006 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner expressed his delight on the special invitation, "I couldn't have asked for a better start to the year," said Singh, who enjoyed a stunning 2006 season with four victories globally.

"I was planning to work my way back into the world's top-50 to qualify again," He added.

"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 as I enjoyed playing at Augusta National. Second time around, I'm still as excited going to the Masters," said Singh.

He was happy to find two Asian Tour members alongwith him being invited to the Masters. "I want to thank the Masters committee for extending the invitations to the Asian competitors. I believe it is a great recognition for us."

The invitation to The Masters is the perfect reward for Jeev's perseverance. After notching up four victories in 2006, the flag-bearer of Indian golf was not able to repeat his dream run in 2007.

The 2008 Masters now provides Jeev the ideal platform to stamp his authority on the global stage. His participation at golf's showpiece event will also raise the profile of Indian professional golf globally.