Singh on final hole escape
by Richard Field, 15 May 2008
Jeev Milkha Singh says his successful 40-foot par-saving putt at the final hole in the first round of the Irish Open was a bonus.
The Indian, starting at the 10th, produced an outrageous up and down at the ninth to shoot a 66 and share the lead at six-under with Richard Green.
Singh had to play his fourth shot from some greenside bushes and almost holed his chip before sinking that monster putt.
“I was just trying to chip it out from there and it came out perfect. Missed the hole and went to about 40 feet away; I was happy with that,” Singh said.
“I said 'okay, I know I can make a six', but when I rolled that putt, I know it looked pretty good, like it was going in, and it did.
"And that's the story of the day really - I made a lot of great up and downs today.”
Defending champion Padraig Harrington still fancies his chances despite carding an even-par 72 at Adare Manor.
“I suppose 72 doesn't look that good when you see six-under-par leading but it is a tough golf course,” Harrington said.
“But by the end of the week, that 72 won't have played me out at this stage – there is a lot of golf to be played.”