Becoming fit, and keeping that way, is definitely my priority No 1. And if I can manage to do that, I think I will be able to achieve all my other ambitions.
As I look back on 2010, I honestly think I played well enough to remain inside the top-50 of world rankings. But after all the problems with my wrist, ankle and ribs in the previous years, it was the turn of my shoulder and back to act up.
The whole year was a stop-and-start one and I had absolutely no momentum. Just when I thought I was getting back into the swing of things, I got injured again. It was extremely frustrating.
As for the back, I am giving it complete rest and the pain has subsided almost 90 per cent. I am doing regular yoga and undergoing physiotherapy at the moment. I am also undergoing acupuncture treatment. I haven't touched any club — not even the putter — since sustaining the injury on November 26. The doctor advised three weeks of rest, but I am extending that to at least four.
I put the new Callaway RAZR irons in the bag in Singapore and I was delighted with the result. Singapore and the Hong Kong Open were two solid weeks for me, and I was playing really well in Japan too before pulling out. I just can't wait to get my clubs out of the bag again.
I am hoping to start full practice sessions only in the new year. If all goes well, I will be starting my season at the Royal Trophy, where I have been included in the Asian team to take on the Europeans. I will then play the new European Challenge Tour event, which is scheduled to be played on a golf course that I have co-designed - the Kensville Golf & Country Club in Ahmedabad.
That would then take me to Abu Dhabi for the Desert Swing of the European Tour before I take my first break of the year after the Avantha Masters in New Delhi.
Starting 2011, I am planning to cut down on the number of tournaments I play. I generally play 36 tournaments but next year I would play around 30. I have realised it the hard way that I am no longer young, and I am definitely not a Superman. I need to give my body ample rest.
Jeev Milkha Singh is a three-time champion on the European Tour
