Mental scars will take longer to heal

I want to begin this column with a heart–felt thanks to all those who supported me and my family during our recent tragedy, about which I wrote last week.

It was just amazing how many calls, messages and mails I received from fans around the world, and was also touched by gestures from random strangers walking up to me at airports to congratulate me on the victory and commiserate on my personal loss.

I did receive immense support from my friends and fans in Dubai. I haven't been able to reply to most, so I would like to thank all of you. This is the reason I love coming to Dubai and play the Desert Classic - this city is like a second home to me.

My wife, Kudrat, has taken the loss very bravely. She is back in Chandigarh, and feeling much better. Obviously, the mental scars will take much longer time to heal.

After a week off, I will be playing the Volvo Masters of Asia, the season–ending tournament of the Asian Tour. It's going to be an exciting week for me as I will receive the Order of Merit crown for the season, which I am assured of winning.

This was a difficult week for me as I had to decide between the Volvo Masters in Bangkok, and the South African Open in Paarl. The South African Open happens to be sponsored by Leisurecorp and Jumeirah Golf Estates, who are my personal sponsors.

In the end, much as I wanted to be at the Pearl Valley Golf Estates, I decided to play the Volvo Masters as winning the Order of Merit is very prestigious and a huge honour.

I called up David Spencer, the CEO–Golf of Leisurecorp, to explain my position, and he was very understanding and actually encouraged me to play in Bangkok. This is one reason why I feel so good to be part of Leisurecorp â€'' they really treat me like a family, and have never tried to impose anything on me.

This is the second time I am winning the Order of Merit crown on the Asian Tour in last three years, but I am as excited about the gala dinner and the presentation ceremony as I was during the first time in 2006. To be honest, I owe a lot to the Asian Tour, where I started my career.

It is still one of the best tours to play in because there is so much camaraderie among the players. Despite the diversity, language or culture has never stopped us from laughing and having a good time together.

And today, as the tour continues to gain in strength and make progress, I feel extremely proud of their achievements.

Jeev Milkha Singh is a three–time winner on the European Tour.