Jeev Milkha Singh On The Importance Of Timing In Golf And In Life

Do professional golfers wear watches when they play? Jeev Milkha Singh, who played a big role in putting India on the global golfing map, says if he can’t wear his watch when he’s swinging the golf club, he definitely has the timepiece on his person.

Be it Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus or Gary Player—golfers have always worn some remarkable watches from renowned brands as they navigate the green expanses of the course.

At a recent event in Gurugram, Singh and fellow Indian golfer and Rolex Testimonee Anirban Lahiri shared insights with avid golfers while also being part of a team-based match on the renowned Arnold Palmer Course featuring team Jeev Milkha Singh and team Anirban Lahiri.

In an interview with Esquire India, Singh—who was the first Indian golfer to qualify for the European Tour and was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1999—spoke about why timing is important not just in golf but in life, and what makes a good watch.

Esquire India: How important are watches and timekeeping in golf?

Jeev Milkha Singh: I'm going to put it to you in a golfing manner, from a golfer's mind. Timing in golf is very important. I'll give you two examples for that. First, if you're even a second late for your tee-off, when you're playing a tournament, you get a two-stroke penalty. Second, timing is everything in golf. Timing in golfing terms is rhythm. If you don't have good rhythm, no good timing to strike the ball at the right time, you will never play well. I feel timing is also very important in life. You have got to be at the right place at the right time.

ESQ: How would you describe your association with Rolex?

JMS: As a brand, Rolex is like family for me. I've been associated with them for more than 15 years. I relate Rolex in three ways, in golfing terms: timing, values and credibility. Values are very important in life. Where Rolex started from and the tradition and values that's passing on to generations and generations, it speaks volumes. Credibility is one of the most important things in golf. You're out there on your own, the other guy is standing 50 yards away. If you move your ball, he can't see it. But if you're not honest to yourself and honest to the field, there's no credibility. You only know deep down that you've cheated. That's where credibility comes. That's what this game and the brand teach you.

ESQ: Which is your favourite watch?

JMS: It's the Rolex Daytona Rose Gold. It’s limited edition. I think 10 or 20 of these were made in 2008, and I was one of them to get it.

ESQ: There's a notion that when you're playing golf, you shouldn't really wear a watch. Do you agree with that?

JMS: No. Certain players like it. But the way I wear the watch is nice and loose. I don't like it tight. Some players like it tight and they can play with it because it doesn't move. But if I play with the watch and I swing it, it hits me right here (points to a specific part of his wrist). And this bone starts hurting. That's why I don't wear it. I always tie it right here (pointing to the belt loop). Or I'll put it in the golf bag where it's safe. After the round is over, I'll put it back on my wrist.

ESQ: What do you look for in a good watch?

JMS: I think the most important thing is what you like. It's a personal choice. For me, it was Rolex. I always wanted to be part of Rolex. For me, (what matters is) a watch which is comfortable and shows me a good time. That's it. I don't have to showcase what I'm wearing. If you've got class, people notice it. You don't need to throw your weight around.

The interview was facilitated by Kapoor Watch Co. and Rolex on the side-lines of an event around the launch of Kapoor Watch Co.'s first Rolex boutique at DLF Emporio, New Delhi