Lustre of the field - virtually the who's who of Europe - and the enormity of the occasion are enough to give anyone yips but defending champion Jeev Milkha Singh assures he is not having butterflies and it's only birdies, eagles and albatross which are in his sight.
Hours before he kicks off his defence of the Volvo Masters title, which catapulted him among the elite golfers last year, Jeev said from Spain that he is not going to be swayed by the thrills and frills of the season finale.
- 'I need to maintain my high standards'
"Of course it's a huge event with top class players in the fray. But I'm going to take it as just another tournament and go through my routine," said country's top ranked golfer, asserting he is not going to be swept off his feet.
And the pressure of expectation would not bog him down either, Jeev asserted.
"Pressure will always stalk you wherever you go, there is simply no escaping from it. I'm comfortable with the pressure that rests on your shoulder with when you walk out to defend a title.
"I know many people back home would be following my progress here and instead of buckling under pressure, I feel good. So many people want me to do well and how can I dislike that?" said the seasoned pro.
The 20th edition of the Volvo Masters, which brings the curtains down on the 2007 European Tour international schedule, opens its door only for those ensconced in the top 60 of the Order of Merit, besides parading nine past winners at the Club de Golf Valderrama that include Ronan Rafferty (1989), Sandy Lyle (1992), Colin Montgomerie (1993 and 2002), Alex Cejka (1995), Miguel Angel Jimenez (1999), Harrington (2001), Ian Poulter (2004), Paul McGinley (2005) and Jeev (2006).
"It's a very impressive field and fiercely competitive too. Top players of Europe are in the fray and I'm looking forward to this week," said the Indian, who had a fairytale season last year.
- Jeev named Asian Player of the year
Jeev vividly remembers his magical moment at Valderrama last year and said he did not look at the scoreboard till the final hole.
"I approached the 18th hole with a two-shot lead and it was only then that I looked at the scores and realised all I need to two-putt it to win the title. Once I was through, I realised it was a very, very big win in my career," he reminisced.
This time, however, odds favour Sergio Garcia, who finished second in the past three editions of the tournament, while Jeev is rated a 66/1 shot to retain his title. The Indian, however, is not thinking about results and hoping weather remains good this time.
"Weather made life difficult last year. It's a tough, challenging course and I guess a lot would depend on the weather again. And if it's windy, you would see a good test of golf over the next four days."
The course too has brought a tinge of smile to his face.
"I played the pro-am and the course looked in much better shape than it was last year. Greens are fast and it's looking fantastic and I'm looking forward to go out and have a go there."
Jeev revealed his quiet confidence has something to do with pal Daniel Chopra's recent triumph in the Ginn sur Mer Classic where the Indian-born Swede won his maiden PGA Tour title.
"I could not talk to him but left a message after that. I'm very proud of him and he has proved how good a player he is.
"His success only indicates that an Indian winning a PGA Tour title is very much a possibility in near future," said Jeev, who could well be the one achieving the feat.
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