Augusta, Georgia, April 7: Indian star Jeev Milkha Singh can’t help but feel like a major winner as he prepares for his third Masters Tournament which starts on Thursday.

The reigning Asian Tour number one has enjoyed practice rounds with Greg Norman and Padraig Harrington and exchanged pleasantries with golf legend Arnold Palmer at Augusta National Golf Club.

And to top it all, Singh was on Tuesday handed a dream draw where he will play alongside world number one and four-time Masters champion Tiger Woods in the opening two rounds.

“I’m excited about that and looking forward to it. It’ll be great to have the opportunity to play with Tiger and it’ll be interesting. I’ll be a little nervous but I’ll try to make the most of it and enjoy it. It is a pleasant surprise,” said Singh, who has played with Woods previously in Asia.

Driving down Magnolia Lane for the third straight year has ultimately given Singh the self belief that he finally belongs amongst the world’s top echelon.

He claimed a second Order of Merit triumph in Asia last season and posted a career first top-10 in a major at the PGA Championship. Last month, the 37-year-old Indian finished fourth at the WGC-CA Championship in Doral, which further boosted his confidence that he can someday become Asia’s first major champion.

“It’s great to come back to the Masters. Every time you are here, it’s different. I’m excited and it’s something really special. I’m happy with the game. I’m playing well and we’ll see what happens,” said the 31st ranked player in the world.

“My next goal will be to win a major. I think I’ve got the game to win a major. I feel it all depends on the mindset and how you deal with the pressure. A lot of it comes down to the short game. I feel I do have the game and hopefully before my golfing career is over, I will have a major under my belt.

“The top-10 at the PGA Championship and the fourth in Doral, those results have given me more confidence. I’ll slowly work on finishing better than fourth. One day, you’ll never know what will happen.”

Renowned as a global traveller, Singh knows that the hard work he has put in all the years has eventually paid off. Apart from six wins on the Asian Tour, Singh has won four times in Japan and twice in Europe.

“I’ve worked hard and there is more trust in my game and more trust in my golf swing. I’m always looking forward to the bigger events. That’s why we play golf for, to prove myself at the highest level.”

Singh was excited to play with Norman, who will captain the International team against the USA in the Presidents Cup later this year. The Indian is in the frame to make Norman’s team.

“It was a special day as growing up, I’ve always looked up to him and often watched him play. I had a good nine holes and we talked about general stuff but didn’t touch anything about the Presidents Cup. I guess he wants to get to know the International players and I was fortunate enough to play with him,” said Singh.