Jeev Milkha Singh’s performance at the 2001 Desert Classic in Dubai was a remarkable achievement, especially considering the low number of putts he needed to complete his four rounds. 94 putts over four rounds was an exceptional feat in professional golf.
Here’s some context to understand the significance of this accomplishment:
Jeev Milkha Singh’s Putting Performance:
94 Putts in 4 Rounds (2001 Desert Classic):
The Desert Classic was one of the prestigious events on the European Tour, and Jeev Milkha Singh, known for his solid all-around game, had an excellent showing with just 94 putts over four rounds.
94 putts is a remarkable stat, considering the typical number of putts for a pro golfer in a tournament is usually much higher, often ranging between 100 and 120 putts, depending on the length of the course and the conditions.
At the time, this number was just two putts more than the world record of 92, set by David Frost at the 2005 MCI Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links.
Putting is a Critical Aspect of Golf: In professional golf, putting is one of the most crucial aspects of a player’s game, often determining the outcome of a tournament. Reducing the number of putts in a round can be the difference between winning and finishing lower down the leaderboard.
World Record Comparison: The record of 92 putts by David Frost in 2005 was extraordinary because it demonstrated an almost perfect short game, with minimal strokes on the greens.
Jeev’s Achievement: Although Jeev Milkha Singh didn’t break the world record for the fewest putts in a four-round tournament, his 94 putts showed his precision and control on the greens, particularly during a major tournament like the Desert Classic.
This accomplishment is just one of the many instances that showcased Jeev’s consistency, particularly in the early 2000s when he was establishing himself as one of the top golfers on the European and Asian Tours.
Jeev’s performances like this helped solidify his reputation as one of the most skilled golfers from India, playing with great precision and setting high standards for future generations of golfers.