Jeev returns to DGC after a top-20 finish in Dubai Desert Classic. If the last week was any indication, it could be another long week for his peers. The 37-year old golfer lost the title of highest-ranked Indian golfer to compatriot Jyoti Randhawa after a lowly 56th finish in Qatar Masters early this year, and his comment earlier this week that he is desperate to finish atop the leader-board in the Indian Masters looks every bit of that.

In a chat over phone from Delhi with Sportline, Jeev talked about his chances at the USD 2.5 million tournament, experience during the Dubai Desert Classic, his plans for the coming season and experience of playing alongside compatriots Jyoti Randhawa, Shiv Kapur and Arjun Atwal.

Excerpts from the interview.

* You are coming to the Indian Masters straight after the Dubai Desert Classic where you finished in top-20. How do you see your chances in the Indian Masters?
I feel pretty good coming into the Indian Masters. Although the start of the season was quite bad for me as I finished 56th in the Qatar Masters, but I guess I had a fair outing at Dubai. I was in fine form on the first two days of the championship, but lost momentum after that. I guess it was good opportunity to strike some form before the Indian Masters, which is a step in the right direction for Indian golf.

* A lot of Indians are in the fray for the Indian Masters, and with the presence of Jyoti Randhawa, Shiv Kapur and Arjun Atwal, the championship will see some formidable Indian names. What are your views on an Indian winning the championship?
The European tour coming to India is great news for the current golf scene in the country. I will be quite happy if an Indian goes on to win the title. Jyoti Randhawa does not need any introduction at the Delhi Golf Club. He along with Shiv Kapur will be the player to watch out for in the championship. Though Arjun Atwal is coming after a two-year hiatus from the game, I am sure he will be also pose a serious challenge.

* A lot has been talked about the changes made at the course in the last few months. What do you think of the new challenges that lie at the course?
The course is a very demanding one. One has to be patient here, and it depends on individuals as to how they go about it. Personally, I feel one should go for the conservative way at the course, planning a lot of shots. If you can do that, I think the rest becomes quite simple. Being a local player of course gives us an advantage, but I think that with the relaid course, European players will be at par with us during this championship.