Jeev Milkha Singh believes golf has to become an Olympic sport to help up and coming Indian golfers.

Christian Cevaer of France kept his cool to pocket the European Open with a final score of seven-under 281 on Sunday, while overnight leader Jeev slipped and had to be satisfied with a score of five-under 283 to finish tied fifth at The London Club in Kent yesterday.

Before his round, Jeev said it was vital for the progress of golf in India that it became an Olympic sport.

"Golf not being an Olympic sport we have not been getting any funding from the government," Jeev said.

"Hopefully in October it does and I think what happens after that is the government is going to allocate land in each and every city to have a public driving range so that a normal human being can go there and try a hand at it.

"That's when it's going to be really big in our country. It's the fastest-growing sport in our country, but it's the only way this game is going to get famous and close to cricket," Jeev said.

The top ranked Indian golfer also said the Olympic recognition would help up aspiring golfers.