Sheer perfect timing, I never thought I would be in the playoff and would easily hole that birdie: Jeev Milkha Singh

It took four years and 37 days and 95 events since the Bank Austria Golf Open in 2008, for ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh to clinch a title on European soil which he did after winning the Scottish Open on Sunday, writes The Times Of India, adding that the omens were good though as he was joint leader in the opening round of the Irish Open two weeks ago.

The Chandigarh pro had not played in the British Open since his disappointing display at Carnoustie in 2007. But his win at Castle Stuart ensured his second appearance in the event, beginning Thursday. A meltdown by local hope Marc Warren, couple of missed putts by Italian Francesco Molinari and the Indian, who was packing his bags, was taken by surprise. Lady luck had shined upon him, and the European Tour officials hinted that he should get ready for the playoff.

"I was sipping a cup of tea and eating a chocolate cake when officials knocked on my door and told me to watch television. Just a while earlier I had asked my caddie to wrap things up for the upcoming flight out of Aberdeen and then I see this -- I am tied for the lead with Molinari," an excited Jeev told Times Of India from London. "It couldn't have been better than this. Sheer perfect timing. I never thought I would be in the playoff and would easily hole that birdie," he added.

“The weather was so good that I thought I’ll treat myself to a nice, hot cup of tea and a chocolate cake. I was sure they would overtake me so I was enjoying my snack and watching them on the television. I was shocked to see myself in joint lead at the end of the round. The golfing gods have been very kind to me. It feels really special to have won the tournament in this fashion,” Jeev told DNA from London on Monday.

Back on the greens, Jeev showed nerves of steel in the playoff round to clinch the prestigious title and pocket a cool £470,000. The win also ended his four-year barren run and more importantly, ensured him of a place in this week’s British Open – the year’s third Major Tournament.

The win has upset his original plan, but he is not complaining. “Honestly, I had planned to leave for India. Instead, I drove down to my house in London on Sunday night, slept at 2am and will now leave for Royal Lytham and St Annes, where the British Open will be held,” he said.