January 19, 2016: Jeev Milkha Singh was a busy man last week herding his Asian team against their formidable conquerors from Europe. As wannabe invaders of an empire that is owned by the Europeans, Jeev and his team were battling insurmountable odds to try and pull one past the visitors in the Eurasia Cup.
Europe has turned team golf into masterfully crafted art form, making it difficult even for their seasoned enemies from America. It was evident very soon that the Asians were there for the slaughter, but a poised Jeev marched with his battalion without ever giving up hope, till the last drop of blood was spilt in Shah Alam, Malaysia.
In the end Jeev’s Asian team suffered a humiliating 5.5 to 18.5 defeat that will rankle the dozen players and their skipper for a while yet. Golfers are essentially groomed as individuals, taught the nuances of dealing with success and stress as lone warriors, with only their caddie for company.
Golfers are masters in the art of competing with themselves and the course, but rarely do they understand the science of playing for a mate. Jeev was tasked with teaching his wards the chemistry of team spirit and the high art of playing for another man.
It wasn’t an easy job. “I believe in my team,” asserted Jeev, time and again when quizzed about their ability to take on the formidable challenge of playing a well-oiled European team. “I just want to make sure that they remain positive and enjoy themselves on the course.”
Easier said than done, when Jeev was hopping hole to hole on his overused captain’s buggy trying to heal wounded men, hurting for their pride. With a radio on his waist and a cord in his ear, Singh soldiered on through three long days trying to keep his boys afloat in the face of a monstrous blue tide.
But there was plenty to learn for both the team and captain. And Jeev appeared energized by the opportunity, even as the effort may have been enervating. He was excited to captain the team and the honour shone on his tormented visage like a prized medallion.
I asked how consuming the experience was, just as he was working hard to resurrect his own career. “I am very proud to have been chosen to captain this side,” he assured me. “The boys have really come together over the past few days and though they have lost, we will all learn from this and come back a better team the next time.”
Is his battle weary body ready for a fresh challenge? “I firmly believe that I have a few more wins in my bag. I am working hard to get my game in shape,” said Jeev. “I will start from Singapore and I am looking forward to some strong performances in the weeks ahead.”
There will be many in the golfing community who will hope that Jeev can rediscover his past magic and put together another good run of results. People value his contribution to the game in India and there will be loyal fans cheering him on from just outside the ropes wherever he goes in the next few years.
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