India's Singh, who won last season's Asian Tour Order of Merit, says cultural and financial constraints are stemming the flow of players joining the big tours despite the rapid progression of the sport within Asia.

"I think Asian golf is now very competitive. There are a lot of talented professionals and I feel players on the other tours can see that Asians are getting much, much better," the world number 45 told Reuters.

"We're playing more with European players, learning how they play, watching their technique and their discipline. It's hard to get to that level, but everyone is looking at getting there."

Singh, who lifted four titles last year to end a seven-year winless drought, said Asia was pumping cash into the sport, but the money was being channelled into the wrong areas.

"Money can be a problem, especially for developing golfers," added Singh, who won last year's Volvo China Open and the Volvo Masters in Spain, along with back-to-back titles on the Japanese Tour.

"They put a lot of money into the tournaments but they need to put it into helping the young players. We need to find companies to sponsor them, pay for their travel and equipment. They need to have a chance to go to the big tournaments.

"There is a need for this support. It's too tough without it."

NEGATIVE ATTITUDES

The former U.S. collegiate champion believes many Asian families have negative attitudes towards sport and parents need to be shown that their sons and daughters can make a living from golf.

The 35-year-old, whose father, Milkha Singh, was a former Olympic record holder and Commonwealth gold medallist in athletics, is hoping to convince Indian families that sport is a good career move.

"I want to teach golf to the family because people are reluctant to let their kids become golfers," said Singh, who started hitting golf balls as a bored nine-year-old waiting for his father to finish his rounds on the course.

"Parents should be letting their kids play, because they can make a career from it. It's not as bad as it used to be, but I really want this to improve much more."

Despite India's adoration for its cricketers, Singh's entry onto the European Tour -- the first by an Indian player -- has made him a household name and he is often mobbed by fans when in his home city of Chandigarh.

"Their support is a great feeling. That's what I play golf for," he says with a smile. "I want to make a difference."

Singh's focus is now on the U.S. Tour and performing better at major championships.

"I've worked so hard lately and I'm getting where I want to be," he said.

"However, I need to work on my driving. If that gets better, then I'll be moving forward.

"Who knows where that will take me."