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Singh lying 28th after US Open first round

Indian ace Jeev Milkha Singh shot a steady three-over-par 73 as he was in joint 28th position after the first round at the US Open.

Singh, the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit leader, fired one birdie, two bogeys and a double bogey at the Winged Foot Golf Club and was tied alongside local talent Kent Jones, Fred Couples, Zach Johnson, Skip Kendal and Tim Herron, Aussies Mark Hensby, Rod Pampling and Robert Allenby, Irishman Padraig Harrington, and Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland.

The Indian stalwart earned his spot in the year’s second major when he qualified in England earlier this month.

Korean star Choi Kyung-ju was three strokes behind Singh when he shot a 76 in joint 68th spot alongside 21 other players that included golf icon and world number one Tiger Woods.

Despite a solid start with a birdie at the par three 10th hole, India’s Jyoti Randhawa stumbled to a 77 after the first round. Randhawa, who won five titles on the Asian Tour, was in tied 90th position.

Singh, however, kept his cool under the challenging conditions at Mamaroneck when he teed off on the 10th hole. He shot a double bogey at the lengthy par five 12th hole and dropped a shot on the 16th hole. The 34-year-old struck another bogey on the third hole but returned with a birdie on the fifth hole. His solid putts on the greens saw him par the remaining four holes.

“I am happy with the way I played as I putted really well today,” said Singh.

“The course is tough, even the greens are difficult but it is the same for everybody playing here. My first round was a bit edgy but the highlight for me today was how well I chipped and putted,” he said.

Apart from his fans, Singh has been made to feel right at home by his parents who flew into New York together with his two sisters who live in the Big Apple.

“I am feeling good. I am definitely happy with my first round performance and will be looking forward to an exciting day tomorrow,” said Singh.

Scottish sensation Colin Montgomerie was all smiles after firing four birdies against three bogeys as he led the first round with a 69.

Defending champion Michael Campbell was in tied 52nd spot after a 75.

Former Asian Tour regular Ted Purdy, however, struggled with a 78 as he was in joint 112th position.

June 16, 2006