Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal and Jyoti Randhawa are part of the 144-strong field teeing off at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club ROYAL PORTHCAWL: If an Asian version of Alexandre Dumas’ masterpiece “The Three Musketeers” was produced today, it would probably feature Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal and Jyoti Randhawa. They may not wield swords like Athos, Porthos and Aramis, but they can swing a mean golf club. The trio, often referred to as the “Big Three” of Indian golf, will play this week in The Senior Open at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales, the final major championship of the highly competitive seniors circuit that features some of the most famous names in the sport. The 144-man field will be battling for a purse of $2.75 million. For Indian golf lovers, the tournament provides a massive dose of nostalgia. Singh, Atwal and Randhawa have put Indian golf on the world map. Like the three musketeers, their lives have been a series of adventures. They went to places where none of their compatriots dared to venture. After dominating on the Asian Tour, they were among the first to compete in established tours in the US and Europe. Jeev, the 52-year-old son of the legendary middle-distance runner Milkha Singh, was the first to start playing in Europe and Japan and is a multiple winner on both Tours. He won two of the biggest tournaments in Europe — the 2012 Scottish Open and the 2007 Volvo Masters at Valderrama. He also remains the highest-ranked Indian player ever when he reached No.28 in the world rankings. Atwal, 50, is the only Indian to have won on the PGA Tour (2010 Wyndham Championship), while Randhawa has been one of the most consistent performers at home and abroad over the past three decades. Together, they have won over 40 international titles including the Asian Tour Order of Merit award. Safe to say they have been an inspiration for the present generation of Indian and Asian golfers. Milkha Singh, who played on a links course for the first time in his life as a 15-year-old in 1986, at this venue, is hoping that their presence at the highest level even at this age, would motivate players back home. “We started our careers years ago at the same time, played in India, Asia, Europe, America … and after so many years of playing golf, we are here playing again. We couldn’t have asked for better. I think we are all very fortunate that we can at least play this game at the highest level, and compete, and also make our country proud,” said Singh. “It’s a very good example for the youngsters. If they think that they are done competing at the highest stage by the age of 40, then no. Age is just a number. You got to stay fit, and you got to keep trying.” The extremely fit Randhawa, who has a passion for adventure sports, turned 50 this May and needed to finish inside the top-seven in the Senior Open qualifying stage. Even though technically a rookie on the Seniors Tour, he will have the advantage of his relative youth. “I just remember I was a rookie on the European Tour a few years ago, and I am a rookie on this Tour now,” said Randhawa. “Honestly, I don’t feel as if I’ve aged at all, physically and mentally. I still feel young and strong. And I do believe that my game is better than everybody here. It’s just a matter of when it clicks. And I must be the youngest age-wise.” Atwal, who lost to Phil Mickelson in a playoff at the 2005 BellSouth Classic, added: “It’s unreal. I can’t believe we are 50. Now, it’s fun. “I have tried to keep myself fit and competitive all these years, hoping to play well on the senior circuit. It’s been a motivation for me.” The Senior Open starts Thursday. Two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer and three-time major champion Padraig Harrington are among the favorites in the field.