A factfile of Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh - who clinched the Barclays Singapore Open at Sentosa Golf Course on Sunday.

NAME: Jeev Milkha Singh
COUNTRY: India
DATE OF BIRTH: 15/12/1971
RESIDENCE: Chandigarh, India
FAMILY: Married
TURNED PRO: 1993

ASIAN TOUR VICTORIES
(5) 1995 Philippine Classic, 1995 Asian Matchplay Championship, Philippines, 1996 Philip Morris Asia Cup, Korea, 1999 Lexus International, Thailand, 2006 Volvo China Open.
OTHER VICTORIES
(5) 1994 Shinhan Donghae Open, Korea, 2006 Volvo Masters, Spain, 2006 Casio World Open, Japan; 2006 Golf Nippon Series JT Cup, 2008 Bank Austria Golf Open.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Jeev enjoyed an outstanding year in 2006, winning four times across the world, lifting his maiden Asian Tour's Order of Merit crown and leaping to 37th place on the Official World Golf Ranking. He ended a frustrating seven-year winless drought with a one-stroke victory at the Volvo China Open in April which was an emotional triumph as a wrist injury had curtailed his progress after winning four titles in the late 1990s, the last success being the 1999 Lexus International in Thailand.

The Volvo victory sparked a rich vein of form as he went on to win the Volvo Masters, the European Tour's season-ending event, in Spain in October and then back-to-back titles in Japan at the Casio World Open, his first triumph in Japan, and the Golf Nippon Series JT Cup. He became the third Indian to win the Order of Merit title with record earnings of US$591,884. Such was his great form that the Indian also notched no fewer than 15 other top-10s on the Asian, Japan and European Tours.

He also qualified and played in all four rounds at the US Open in Winged Foot. Was also named the Players' Player of the Year and also won the UBS Special Achievement Award for his magical season. In 2007, Jeev has played primarily in Europe and the United States. Made a successful Masters debut in April by finishing tied 37th. Also played in all four rounds at the US Open, finishing 36th which is his best Major outing in four appearances. Prior to 2006, Jeev had come close to winning at the start of the 2005 season in the Okinawa Open. He led the third round by four shots but was overtaken by a fast-charging Kiyoshi Miyazato in the final round and settled for tied second place. Posted two other top-10s.

In 2002, Jeev became the first player from his country to qualify for the US Open. He carded four straight 75s to settle for joint 62nd position in what was his first appearance in a Major. His American adventure continued at the US PGA Tour Qualifying School finals where he was on the verge of securing his card for 2003 before a disappointing final round 77 when a level-par round would have seen him through. Jeev was also the first Indian golfer to qualify for the European Tour. Having won his card at the end of 1997, he contended for numerous titles, but relinquished his playing rights in 2002 and focused primarily in Asia and Japan. In 1996, he was part of the Indian team that stunned Scotland in the Dunhill Cup in St Andrews where Jeev beat Andrew Coltart.

Jeev wrote his name into the European Tour record books at the 2001 Dubai Desert Classic. On his way to a sixth place finish, he needed just 94 putts in four rounds for an average of 23.5 putts per round. That bettered the old mark set by England?s Russell Claydon who took 96 putts at the 2000 Italian Open. Has finished second in the following events - 1995 Passport Open, Korea, lost in a play-off in the 1997 Asia Pacific Ericsson Masters in Indonesia, 1998 Hero Honda Masters, 1998 Thailand Open, tied second in the 1999 South African Open and 2001 Iiyama Cup, 2006 Pakistan Open, 2006 SK Telecom Open in Korea and 2006 Yomiuri Memorial Open in Japan.

PERSONAL
Jeev is the son of an Olympic runner, Milkha Singh. Struggled with injury in the early 2000s and lost his form and confidence. Says yoga and reading self-improvement books have helped tremendously. He was a captain?s pick for Asia in the inaugural Dynasty Cup against Japan in 2003. Comes from Chandigarh which has produced top golfers such as Amritinder Singh and Amandeep Johl. Previously trained under Sam Frost but decided to do it alone in 2004, relying on Amrintinder's help and analyzing his own game through video tapes. Earned India?s highest award, the Padmashri Award in 2007 from the Indian government for his achievements in 2006.

Source: asiantour.com